Editorial: Good luck, David, you're our champ

Who does he think he is, this comparatively pint-sized Polynesian who will fight tomorrow for the heavyweight boxing championship of the world? We know who he is, even if Finance Minister Michael Cullen is confused.

He is a New Zealander who came here, like so many, as a child from Samoa. He learned his basic ringcraft here and New Zealand sent him to an Olympic Games, where he won a bronze medal and made his mark as a young boxer of rare promise. Aficionados said then that he was something special, a cut above the fighters that come to note in this country from time to time and go on to become journeymen professionals.

David Tua was taken in hand by a fellow Olympic medallist Kevin Barry, and sent to the United States to be tutored for the very top. His progress through professional ranks has been patient and methodical. His occasional bouts in New Zealand have been easy victories against opponents who looked out of condition and in a hurry to leave. If that is the way boxers are brought to contention for the heavyweight title, we can only hope there is tougher preparation behind the scenes.

Whatever one may think of boxing as a sport, and its conduct at the most lucrative levels, David Tua's achievement cannot be denied. To win the right to challenge for the world heavyweight title is an achievement in itself. He has made himself a serious contender for one of the world's most glittering prizes. Tomorrow in Las Vegas will be a moment to compare with a Wimbledon final, a play-off for golf's British open , an America's Cup challenge.

Where Bob Charles, Chris Lewis and Russell Coutts have been, David Tua will be tomorrow - competing at the pinnacle of international sport. And arguably no other contest attracts the worldwide interest of the heavyweight boxing crown. If Tua wins, his name will instantly known across all continents. He will soon become a face (and haircut) recognised anywhere and he will be a business in his own right. New Zealand might see even less of him between fights, but we will bask in reflected glory.

How desperately sad that Michael Cullen should block a message of pride and support to Tua from our House of Representatives. How miserable that he should consider it a waste of Parliament's time, and how rich that he should take that view of a resolution which would be passed in a tiny fraction of the time the House wastes every day on pointless petty arguments of procedure. But let's not waste time on him when David Tua is much more interesting.

Can he win? The knowledgeable say he gives away too much in height and reach to Lennox Lewis and that he will need a knock-out to have any chance. They say he has never met a boxer of the champion's quality.

But then, they concede, he can take a punch and he can certainly deliver one if he can get inside the taller man's defences.

He is tough and game and considerably younger than Lewis. The longer the contest goes the more likely that Tua may land the knock-out punch.

But if the fight goes the distance, chances are Lewis will have the most points. In that event Tua will have failed but he will get another chance. His career as a serious contender for the title is just beginning. Whatever happens tomorrow, New Zealanders are going to become better acquainted with the strange, shady, glamorous business of the heavyweight boxing championship.

It is not always pretty and it is not always fair. But it has drama, controversy, courage and character as well as a great deal of money. Let sporting puritans sniff and delicate sensitivities turn away, if they can. Most of us will be transfixed and willing him on. Good luck, David.

Herald Online feature: the Tua fight

The Herald Online is ringside for the countdown to David Tua's tilt at the world heavyweight boxing title. Reporter Peter Jessup and photographer Kenny Rodger bring you all the news, inside information and pictures, leading up to this Sunday afternoon's showdown in Las Vegas.