David Tua: Exclusive Interview

27.07.06 – By Ryan Songalia: I caught up with David Tua after his fourth round knockout victory over David Gutierrez in Manhattan Saturday night. He was very candid and open with his thoughts about the bout, growing as a fighter, and his future plans for his career.

Ryan Songalia: This is your first knockout you’ve scored in some time. How did it feel to register a big KO on national TV?

David Tua: “It feels good, I’m happy to be back on board again and getting the show back on the road. I’m just happy because this is pretty much what we’ve been working on in the gym. Thank God we were able to pull it out tonight.”

RS: Do you feel you finally shook the cobwebs from your long layoff?

Tuaman: “Yeah, but I believe its going to take more than just a couple of fights to obviously get that feeling back..

RS: So we’re talking probably another tuneup fight or two?

Tuaman: “Definitely, but like I said it may take one fight or two fights. You never know.”

RS: It appeared you let Gutierrez off the hook after the knockdown in the second round. Were you trying to get some rounds in tonight to shake off the rust?

Tuaman: “Certainly, but more importantly I was trying to establish what we had been working on in the gym and that was the jab. Obviously, the fans were a bit restless because of what they are used to in the past. It takes time. The way I look at it right now, I think I showed more than just coming out and hitting him with the hooks. It’s not gonna happen over night.”

RS: You worked more effectively to the body and with the jab than had been the case in alot of fights. Did you work on that in camp and are you trying to become a more rounded fighter at this stage of your career?

Tuaman: “Exactly, exactly thats pretty much where its at. I believe that I’ve only got one hooray doing this and if I’m not going to do it right, I would rather walk away right now.”

RS: Who would you like in your next fight?

Tuaman: “We’re going to wait and see what the promoters come up with and what we need to do.”

RS: Do you feel you’re ready for a title shot?

Tuaman: “Right now, no….unless the moneys right! But then again, its not about the money, its about the championship. So, it’s about doing everything right.”

RS: How long is it going to be before you’re back in the gym?

Tuaman: “Tommorrow. Tommorrow morning.”

RS: Good luck with everything and hope to see you again soon.