David Tua working on more weapons -- Stuff

By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE, Stuff.co.nz

David Tua's trademark is a devastating left hook but trainer Roger Bloodworth promises the Kiwi heavyweight will bring far more than that to the ring for Wednesday night's clash with Friday Ahunanya.

The highly respected corner man says much of the past two months training has been spent on developing Tua into a multi-dimensional fighter.

Bloodworth says that if Tua is indeed to be a world title contender he needs to show more than he has in the past.

Tua showed glimpses of his new right hand power in his demolition of Shane Cameron last October and plenty of work has gone into progressing that.

"We have been working on his right hand. You are going to see a much more rounded boxer in David. He has to be, that's vital for his future. It's not just about the left hook any more," Bloodworth said.

"He still has his style ... it's always there if he needs a left hook. But the thing to do is to add more weapons."

Ahunanya's reputation for durability means Tua will need an array of weapons over the scheduled 12 rounds at the Trusts Stadium in west Auckland.

Bloodworth wants a win any which way but there appears to be a desire to see Tua tested more than he was by the severely outclassed Cameron.

Having been idle for two years before the Cameron fight, getting in a few rounds of competitive boxing wouldn't do Tua any harm – providing he can still come away with a victory so essential to his future.

Bloodworth, the experienced American, has no doubt Ahunanya is a worthy opponent who should provide a far sterner test than Cameron.

"Given the way the last fight went I think it will be a tougher challenge," Bloodworth said in reference to the stunning second round knockout Tua produced in his comeback appearance.

"Friday has been with some good fighters and he has never been stopped. That indicates that it might be a long night."

Ahunanya, a big Nigerian who looks in very good shape, has vowed to box clever. He has the respect of the Tua camp.

"We don't know what he will bring. There are only three things he can do – he can box, he can slug or he can run. We prepare for all three things and adjust round by round when we see what he brings," Bloodworth says.

The weigh-in is at Auckland's Sky City tomorrow at noon.

Source: stuff.co.nz