By James Slater: Ahead of tomorrow’s heavyweight return between veterans David Tua and Monte Barrett, the two big men have weighed-in. Tua, not looking as ripped as the chiseled Barrett, came in at a fraction above 244-pounds, while the man known as “Two Gunz” looked in terrific shape at a ready 222.
Tua, judging by the footage I’ve seen, isn’t in any way fat, but he has certainly looked trimmer in recent fights – even the first fight with Barrett, which of course wound up being scored a draw after 12 lively rounds.
The very careers of both men are right on the line in tomorrow’s clash in New Zealand, and Barrett has pushed himself accordingly. But has Tua?
Of course, as big as he is, the extra weight may help power puncher Tua’s chances of scoring a quick KO. But if the fight goes into the later rounds, as the first fight did, the excess weight could slow “The Tuaman” down, allowing the faster Barrett to pile up points.
38-year-old Tua tipped-in at 237 for his first rumble with Barrett, and the fact that he’s come in heavier for the must-win return will alarm some. Still, in the past Tua has weighed as much as 250 and still won. Last time out, against Demetrice King, Tua weighed a heavy 248.
As for 40-year-old Barrett, 222 is a great weight for him. He came in at 225 for the first fight with Tua, and in his recent draw with Charles Davis he came in at just over 228. “Two Gunz” has, as he promised he would, worked his ass off for tomorrow’s clash!
Prediction time:
I picked Tua to win by crushing KO last July. I was wrong. I still go for Tua to get a stoppage this time, though – in around 6 or seven-rounds. Now, watch Monte prove me wrong again!