Fans show Tua he's home

By ALAN PERROTT

You're not in Las Vegas now, David Tua.

That message came through loud and clear as about 5000 Tua fans yesterday threw a Pacific Island-flavoured welcome home party for their boxing hero.

The neon signs, polyester suits and casinos of Nevada made way for dancing girls, warriors, log drums and untold numbers of ulafala necklaces - the red badge of true fans.

The Tuaman had specified that any celebrations of his heavyweight title challenge were to be held in his hometown of Mangere. He got his wish.

So did his mum, Noela. When Tua reluctantly took the guest-of-honour seat on a tapa and mat-covered truck, the electric hairdo that had annoyed his mother was gone.

In its place were several neat rows of braids.

The colourful procession slowly made its noisy way up Bader Drive, drawing roadside spectators as it went.

Everywhere were signs, "Win or lose, we are proud of you." Small groups of schoolchildren broke into Tua chants as he passed and then ran alongside the truck to keep sight of their hero.

For Lawrence Emile, of Henderson, the parade was a chance to say thanks to the pride of Samoa.

"This is marvellous. I'm so proud because David has done so much on behalf of us all. He is a champion to me."

But the occasion was not great news for an Australian tourist whose car was trapped on a motorway off-ramp for 45 minutes as the parade wound its way past.

"I wish I had known about this," he said. "I just got off my plane. But I guess if anyone is going to hold me up, it's okay if it's David Tua."

Also waiting was a small scrum of politicians and dignitaries, who got their revenge by challenging one another to see who could deliver the longest speech.

The man everyone was there to see finally took the stage to huge applause.

As in his final pre-fight appearance in Las Vegas, Tua gave a quick thank-you and then pretended to leave.

After some swift cajoling he returned and delivered a heartfelt thanks to his family and the people of Mangere.

According to one charmed fan, this was just the first of many such parades.

Mel had come from Otara with her 14-strong family to welcome Tua home.

"This is so good. Everybody has given up their time for David Tua. We are so proud.

"But this is just the beginning. We have faith the Tuaman will be back. He will be the champion."

Herald Online feature: the Tua fight