Lennox outclasses Tua in title fight

7:00 PM

Lennox Lewis retained his world heavyweight boxing titles in Las Vegas this evening - ending the dream of New Zealand's David Tua.

A unanimous decision by the judges awarded victory to the big Brit after twelve rounds, disappointing the 13,000-strong crowd at the Mandalay Bay Casino whose chants of 'Tua! Tua!' could be heard above anything else.

Lewis looked in control from the outset. A valiant Tua tried to find a way through the Lewis defence but struggled to land any decisive hits.

The win means Lewis keeps his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation world title belts.

Despite his loss, Tua collected a pay-cheque in excess of $US4 million ($US 9.68 million). Lewis walked away with almost double that amount.

Nearly 85,000 New Zealanders placed bets on the fight. The TAB netted $2.6 million in total - more than twice its previous record for bets placed on a single event.

85 per cent of the money was placed on Tua, who paid $2.55 to win. Lewis, the favourite, paid $1.50.

Most boxing pundits had predicted the 113kg Lewis would win. His experience, 18cm height advantage and extra 38cm reach were tipped as an important advantage against the stocky New Zealander who weighed in only 2 kg less.

But some experts had hinted Tua's stout power-punch was capable of pulling one out of the bag if Lewis wavered. It never happened.

Lewis has won 37 of his 39 bouts to date. Tua, who boasts 32 knockouts to Lewis' 29, has lost once in his 18-year career.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF, IRN

* Full coverage of the heavyweight bout will appear in Monday's New Zealand Herald.

Herald Online feature: the Tua fight