Boxing

 

Tua Terminates Moorer In Quick Fashion

By Ed Ludwig

18.08 - David Tua (41-3 36 KO's) disposed of Michael Moorer (43-3-1 34 KO's) in thirty seconds of the first round and in doing so sending a strong message to the rest of the Heavyweight division that the "Terminator" is back. After the quick and utter destruction displayed by Tua tonight the nickname is appropriate. Tua forced the former champion into the ropes and Moorer never had the chance to unload as Tua nailed him with an overhand right and finished him off with a left.

Moorer was out before he hit the canvas. Referee Rudy Battle did not even bother to complete the ten-count as it was clearly visible that he was down and out. Prior to the fight David Tua's trainer Kevin Barry stated that Tua is the biggest under achiever in the division. This could have lit a spark under Tua as he did what no one really expected.

When asked about that during the post fight interview with Larry Merchant, Tua said he did agree with Barry although I was a bit surprised. Not that he agreed but why Barry would say something like that? In any case it worked. Two big wins back to back should put him back into contention.

For Michael Moorer it is back to the drawing board. His time as a top contender ended in very short order. Not that he was one, due to his inactivity and limited opposition. He said during the post fight interview that he plans to continue with his career. Tua took a huge step up and for Moorer, he fell of the radar screen. Kevin Barry should be proud of his fighter. I certainly am.

I have been fortunate enough to speak with David and Kevin and as I have got to know them I can say they are two of the nicest and most respectful people in the boxing game today. From a personal point of view a title shot should be in the cards. With the politics in the sport it could take some time and I know when the time does come that David Tua will be ready. He is only twenty-nine years old and very dedicated. It was short but very sweet. Congratulations to "Team Tua".

www.tuaman.com

0 comments


David Tua vs. Michael Moorer - Who Will Stay And Who Will Go?

By Ed Ludwig

16.08 - August 17th will prove to be a pivotal night for David Tua (40-3 35 KO's) and Michael Moorer (43-2-1 34 KO's) as the careers of both fighters are essentially on the line. Tua vaulted himself back into title contention with a ninth round stoppage over previously undefeated NABF champ Fres Oquendo and Michael Moorer is trying to recapture past glory.

This is a huge step up for Moorer who is now into the second stage of his career. He has fought the right calibre of opponents that you would expect from someone who had a three-year period of inactivity. He has not been overly impressive in any of his comeback bouts and the question of his dedication to the sport is often asked.

I believe Moorer is more dedicated now than he was in the past. His problems that have haunted him outside the ring seem to have been resolved and he knows that the road back wont be an easy one and he will be the first to admit it. With a clear mind and a positive attitude he has the mental tools that every fighter needs. How much has Moorer's physical skills eroded since his rematch loss to Evander Holyfield back in 1997?

I am sure he would tell you that he is the same or even better than before. Obviously during his hiatus from the ring Moorer did not absorb any hard punches or suffer the wear and tear that an active fighter would. It is my belief that he has bitten off more than he can chew when he steps into the ring against the very tough and durable David Tua.

The hard punching Samoan is still a major force in the division despite disappointing setbacks against Lennox Lewis and Chris Byrd. Tua and Moorer are both very respectful of each other and it has shown leading up to there big battle that is set to air on HBO. For Moorer to have any chance of beating Tua he will have to box and move, circling him and use his southpaw style and frustrate him.

Moorer can't stand toe to toe and slug it out with Tua as he is one of the hardest punching Heavyweights in the last twenty years. What the native New Zealander lacks in mobility he more than makes up for with his power and chin. Looking at this fight on paper it would look like a young prospect being thrown in with a world-beater. I only say that because of Moorer's lay off and the quality of opposition. They are veterans and with so much on the line I can't see Tua losing.

My predictions on fights can be compared to ESPN's Max Kellerman, wrong more than right. Michael Moorer will need the performance of a lifetime and dig very deep should he get in any kind of trouble. Tua is very patient and there is no quit in him even when things aren't going his way. Double M has had the gold around his waist and Tua is a few short steps away from having another shot and making his dream become a reality. You can look at this match up as a new beginning for one and the eventual demise of the other.

Should Tua lose his stock will drop faster than Enron. For Moorer it will ultimately be the end for him as a legitimate threat and contender. With so much on the line I expect a war from these two and it will take heart and determination to win this one. The bottom line is who wants it more?

You know that Kevin Barry and Freddie Roach will have them both ready once fight time arrives. The key in my opinion is they need to tell it like it is and not say what each fighter wants to hear. Stealing a line from the legendary trainer, Angelo Dundee, "You're blowing it kid, you're blowing it". If that is the case then tell them.

False hope make fighters lackadaisical and in many cases coast through a fight that they think there winning. David Tua and Michael Moorer have been in this game long enough that they should know how things stand as it is the two of them that will be slugging it out. Once it is over I am sure it will make us all forget about the pathetic battle between John Ruiz and Kirk Johnson. On August 17th it will be "Heavyweight Explosion".

0 comments
 


Bookmark and Share

 

If you detect any issues with the legality of this site, problems are always unintentional and will be corrected with notification.
The views and opinions of all writers expressed on eastsideboxing.com do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Management.
Copyright © 2001- 2015 East Side Boxing.com - Privacy Policy