Tsunami fundraiser packs a punch

New Zealand boxing legend David Tua says he had to do something about a very sad situation. Photo / Greg Bowker

Boxer David Tua hopes his tsunami fundraising boxing appeal will pack a punch tonight.

The Samoan-New Zealand champion is organising a 12-bout professional/amateur night at the North Shore Events Centre with proceeds to go to relief efforts.

Mr Tua lost an aunt to the tsunami which devastated the southern coast of Upolu after an 8.3 Richter scale earthquake in September.

He said he'd been keeping in close contact with friends and family in Samoa but many were still coming to terms with their grief. The effects of the tsunami would wear on many for years to come.

"For me it's more the children who lost their brothers, their parents, their grandparents. My heart goes out to everybody but the children really get me.

"You can build a house again, put a roof over their head, give them somewhere to sleep but really it's the trauma that these kids will carry for the rest of their lives - that's really hard.

"It's still very difficult for them to move on, and so we still have to be strong for the living," he said.

A specific project for proceeds hadn't been pinned down yet but that decision would be made after the event. Mr Tua said a boxing fundraiser was something he could organise with friends.

"We just knew we had to do something.

"I'm excited about the night, it'll be awesome to see some of those fights. We all felt we have to do something about a very sad situation. For me it's kind of like my own kids - there's nothing that I wouldn't do to keep helping them."

Organiser Ron Hellesoe said heavyweights Isikeli Maama and Gogosina Ulutoa feature in the bout, and former rugby star Va'aiga Tuigamala's teenage son Junior - a promising heavyweight - is also expected to fight.

The Yandall Sisters, Lapi Mariner and Cindy of Samoa and dance crew Reformed are all part of the entertainment line-up.

FIGHTING FOR CHARITY

* Tickets can be purchased through Ron Hellesoe (021) 110 3112 for $25.
* Door sales $30 for adults.
* School children $10.
* Corporate tables of 10 seats for $1000.
* Where: North Shore Events Centre.
* Doors open at 6pm.