RW: David, I believe this is the first time that you’ve promoted one of your own fights, along with SKY Sport in New Zealand. Do you see that being a promoter will help you control how “fight night” goes with Monte Barrett, or do you see it as a distraction?
Tua: Talofa Uso. Distraction, not at all … Control for sure … Smart humble control that is … A great humble way for me to make humble decisions for my life with boxing … and in life away from the ring. Thank you John Fellett and the team at Sky TV.
RW: On the undercard, all of the fighters except for Nathan McKay (Australia) are from New Zealand. Is this a chance to give New Zealand fighters a chance to shine in a big environment?
Tua: All day. Yes, it is a great opportunity for our New Zealand fighters to self-express their talents. O for Orsum opportunity I never had and great to have their support as part of the undercard, the rest is up to them.
RW: The promotion on SKY shows Monte Barrett putting you on the canvas for the first time in your career. Every time I see it, I cringe. Are you using this as extra motivation for Monte Barrett?
Tua: Part of it, yes. It has been a great motivation for me during tough times with my preparation for this fight.
RW: This is the second fight with your new trainer, Chris Martin. What is he teaching you differently from your old trainer, Roger Bloodworth?
Tua: Chris is a knowledgeable trainer, different style, different approach from Pops. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with him again. He has the knowledge of the sweet science as uncompromised respectfully. What he has taught me allows me to appreciate the sweet science for what it really is, that there is more than one way to win a fight.
RW: Monte Barrett is considered one of the “good guys” (as well as you) in boxing. But on Eastside, he’s been saying that he’s got your number, that he was robbed in your first fight with him, and that he’s gonna make you start looking for another job in Auckland. Clearly he’s angry, and talking smack. Do you see a different Monte Barrett emerging, or do you think he’s playing games with you?
Tua: Respectfully I feel a different David Tua emerging, take nothing away from Monte Barrett. He fought a fantastic tactical fight when I fought him last. This fight is different because he is not fighting the same David Tua he last fought in the States.
RW: In the first fight with Monte Barrett in Atlantic City over a year ago, you had your way with him for the first four rounds. Then it seemed like you went back to the David Tua of old, stalking him and looking to land the left hook to end it. How will the Tua vs Barrett II fight be different from the first one?
Tua: WIN.
RW: The New Zealand newspapers have reported that you’ve opened up your own gym, Kamp Tuaman, which includes a cage. Monte Barrett is entertaining the idea of getting into wrestling after his fight with you. Have you given any thought to taking him down to the cage on Sunday morning if you defeat him Saturday night?
Tua: Yeah, why not. Come one come all. Welcome to Kamp Tuaman, Onehunga, it’s where it’s at. All Day. Thank you for your support and thank all my fans worldwide for their support. Much love and respect. Keep fighting the good fight if its a fight worth fighting for.