Tua takes points decision in legal battle

The Takapuna beachfront property. File picture

Boxer David Tua was last night rejoicing after a High Court ruling handed him the latest bout in his ongoing battle with his former management.

In a ruling released yesterday, Justice Hugh Williams sided with Tua over the question of an exclusive management agreement the boxer entered with Kevin Barry and Martin Pugh.

Tua contended he was never bound by the agreement because of "undue influence and other factors".

However, even if the court felt he had been bound by the agreement, he had terminated the contract in October 2003.

The ruling means Tua has effectively been his own boss since that date.

Pugh and Barry had claimed Tua was in breach of the contract but in court said they were "minded to accept" Tua's management agreement came to an end in 2003.

They had earlier threatened damages against Tua and 72 Promotions, a company run by his friend Inga Tuigamala.

But Justice Williams said there was "no foundation" for the claim of Pugh and Barry that Tua and Tuigamala had been in breach of contract, despite the fact the pair had been "tardy and incomplete" in complying with their contract obligations.

The ruling also leaves in place a caveat over a Takapuna property belonging to Pugh's girlfriend, and over money from the sale of a beachfront property at Pakiri.

Legal costs have yet to be decided, and there are still financial issues to be resolved.

Tua last night told Radio Sport the decision meant "a day that the good Lord has made for all of us".

"It brings me to my knees and thanking God ... for me it's been a very, very powerful outcome, but humbling at the same time."

The ruling would allow him more time to concentrate on his family, particularly his two young boys, wife and parents.

"It's finally over."

He also extended thanks to his legal team.

Tua said he felt "very blessed in so many ways that the court victory had come when it did. He said it left him enough time in his career to "really go for it".

The decision

* Dismissed

An application by David Tua's former managers Kevin Barry and Martin Pugh for sanctions against Tua and Inga Tuigamala in relation to a 2005 fight against Talmadge Griffis.

* Dismissed

An application by a trust for the removal of a Tua caveat over a North Shore property.