By James Slater: 40-year-old New Yorker Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett has once again proved to be David Tua’s bogeyman. Moments ago in New Zealand, Barrett won a 12-round UD over 38-year-old Tua – possibly ending the Samoan slugger’s career in the process. Barrett, who improved to 35-9-2(20) survived a 12th-round knockdown as he held on to the final bell. Tua, who had said before the fight that he would look at retiring if he lost, is now 52-4-2(43). The scores were 115-112 twice and 114-113, all for Barrett.
A slow start by both men saw a somewhat dull fight get underway. There were moments of decent action, but by and large Barrett’s jab and overall boxing skills were dominating. A grazing shot from the older man opened a cut above Tua’s eye in the 3rd.
Tua took an age to get going, only really coming alive for the first time in the 6th. Barrett was in control, boxing and tying up his man. By the 10th, a somewhat desperate Tua, knowing he was behind, began to load up and swing a touch wildly. Barrett, however, saw pretty much everything that came his way before it had a chance to land. What did get through, Monte managed to take well; only being hurt at the end of the 10th.
The pro-Tua crowd had cause to cheer in the dying seconds of the 10th, as a left hand appeared to hurt Barrett bad. His legs a little wobbly, Barrett held on to the bell. Tua bossed the 11th and 12th-rounds, too, even playing to the crowd on occasion. Then came the biggest drama of the fight; the knockdown in the final session.
The last time these two met it was Tua who had to get up from a 12th-round trip to the mat – this time it was Barrett who had to survive to the final bell. Tua’s big chance passed and Barrett knew he had the win in the bag. Of course, seeing how he had to make do with a controversial draw last July, Monte no doubt had some anxious moments as he awaited the official result. This time around no-one can really have any argument with the verdict. The question is, what now for both men?
Tua looks finished as a big-time player. After this loss, how will his promoters manage to sell the idea of him facing a top contender, let alone a world champion? That said, Tua has never been KO’d, he remains a big name and if matched against the right foe he could possibly continue to make money. But will the proud warrior be satisfied with that?
Barrett could do the smart thing and choose to ride into the sunset off the back of this win. Looked at as a finished fighter before the first clash with Tua, Barrett has done well in both bouts. Is there anything left for him now though?
Of course, there could conceivably be a third fight between the two veterans, but who would really want to watch it?