Boxing

 

Interview With David Tua

By Ed Ludwig and Steve Trellert

30.03 - This evening we had the pleasure of speaking with Heavyweight contender David Tua (39-3 34 KO's). He is scheduled to face NABF champion Fres Oquendo (22-0 13 KO's) on April 13th in Chester West Virginia. Coming off an impressive win against Garing Lane, David Tua is ready to take the next step in his pursuit of the Heavyweight Championship. Viewers in the United States can tune in on Showtime Television. We would like to thank David for taking the time from his busy schedule to speak with Eastside Boxing and a special thank you to his manager Kevin Barry for making this interview possible.

Ed Ludwig: How is training camp going in preparation for your upcoming fight with Fres Oquendo?

David Tua: So far so good. Everything is going well and according to plan.

EL: Do you view Fres Oquendo as a legitimate top ten Heavyweight?

DT: He's proven himself and he has beaten top ten fighters. He is up there.

EL: Any added pressure fighting your stable-mate from America Presents?

DT: Not really. No love lost. This is what we have to do at this particular time.

EL: Are you prepared for a hard twelve round battle should it last the distance?

DT: Sure, that's the best thing you can do is be well prepared. You have to be prepared for a four, six, ten or twelve round fight. I am ready to go twelve.

EL: How is your conditioning?

DT: Conditioning is right. Can't be any heavier. Right on the money when fight time arrives.

EL: John Ruiz whom you have defeated and Fres Oquendo receive some unfair criticism from some boxing fans. Do you think it is justified criticism?

DT: The thing for me is not to get into that stuff to be honest. I didn't know that it was like that for them. I know people criticize me but I can't let that or the hype bother me. I concentrate on boxing only.

EL: It was reported that you went into the Lennox Lewis fight with an injury. Is that true?

DT: I am not the type of person that sits around and makes excuses. To be honest I was injured during training. I was one hundred percent physically ready for that fight.

EL: Will you ever go into a fight at less than one hundred percent if you feel confident enough that you could win?

DT: What works for others might not work for me. If I am not one hundred percent ready I am not going to fight.

EL: If you get by Fres Oquendo it will vault you back into the title picture. What are you hoping for after that?

DT: Winning this fight is my top priority. I am just concentrating on today and not the future. The future is a dream right now.

EL: What did you think of Hasim Rahman's response to your open challenge?

DT: I guess that I kind of expected that. That was then and it didn't work out. I am concentrating on what is happening now.

EL: Are you trying to change your style or expand your arsenal going into the Fres Oquendo bout?

DT: Nope! I stick to the basics. If you can do well and keep it simple it will work.

EL: Many people thought you were robbed against Ike Ibeabuchi. You have rebounded nicely since then. What has been the key to your success thus far?

DT: I would say my Christian faith. It's what keeps me going and all I can say is that I am very blessed and lucky to be doing what I am doing. Good surroundings are important and I have been very fortunate to have good people around me especially my parents who keep me grounded. Faith is important. It is part of what I am. It plays a huge role in my life.

EL: Is your power god given or a conscious attempt?

DT: It's a god given thing. It's like when you look at Michael Jordan, it is god given abilities. I am blessed but you have to work very hard to make it effective.

EL: If you were not a boxer what do you think you would be doing?

DT: Laughs! I would probably be forming some kind of family business. I love being around my family.

EL: Over the years many boxing fans have said that a David Tua vs. Mike Tyson would be a dream fight. What are your thoughts on this?

DT: Laughs! I don't know. I mean it would be a good fight. Just have to wait and see. It would be good for David Tua and boxing. I like to stick to reality and the present.

EL: What is your prediction for Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson?

DT: It will be an interesting fight. Tyson will come out hard and fast. Lewis could come out and bomb or take it to the later rounds. My prediction is Tyson. I have always been a big Tyson fan.

EL: A lot of people view Wladimir Klitschko as the future star of the Heavyweight division. What do you think of him?

DT: He is very talented. He has stuck with what has got him here and he is still improving. He is a force to be reckoned with in the Heavyweight division as well.

EL: If things go according to plan do you plan to stay in boxing for years to come?

DT: Sure I will. It's the search to accomplish something that is greater than myself. Better to be likened and loved than hated. My father told me that.

EL: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans and the readers of Eastside Boxing?

DT: One love, much respect. I really appreciate their love and support from day one. I will do my best to my abilities to entertain you. Keep the Faith!

 


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