Tua's surprise announcement was made last night in Auckland, and Barry responded today from the United States, where only 48 hours earlier he had sewn up a deal for Tua to fight American Hasim Rahman in a World Boxing Association bout in December.
Barry said he would no longer train the Auckland fighter but would continue to manage his career. It is understood a management contract between the pair has another two years to run.
"I will not be training David anymore, but as we have a management contract, I will still work to the best of my ability to guide and manage his career," Barry said in a statement from the US.
Attempts to contact Barry were unsuccessful, and it is understood he is travelling back to New Zealand.
Barry has been a guiding influence behind Tua's professional career, which has seen him win 42 of 46 bouts, 29 by knockout.
His biggest fight came in 2001 when he lost a world title challenge against champion Lennox Lewis in Las Vegas.
Tua has given no reason for his decision to ditch Barry but said he told him of his decision more than one week ago.
Barry gave no indication that he was surprised by Tua's announcement.
"David Tua's career has been my passion and has dominated my life for the past 12 years, to the extent that I recently came to believe that I was more motivated to win, succeed and become the world champion than was David," Barry said.
"However, things change, people change, circumstances change and life changes.
"Fame and fortune change some people and blurs their vision.
"There was nothing that I wouldn't do to protect David and the partnership that we shared together.
"I have always tried to protect David's interests and reputation, but if David is lifting the lid on Pandora's box, there will be little I can do to protect him further."
Barry has been credited with shepherding Tua through the potential hazards and pitfalls which await fighters in the US, where the sport is littered with stories of boxers being preyed on and taken advantage of by unscrupulous managers.
In 2001 he took on the additional role of training the fighter, and was in Tua's corner for four fights.
"At David's request I took over as trainer in 2001, beginning another challenge for me and another chapter in our association," Barry said.
"It was never a position I aspired for, in fact the physical toll that it took on my body was painfully damaging.
"I still gave 100 per cent everyday to my new role and I took great pride in David being undefeated under my training.
"My devotion to David saw me put him and his needs before that of my own family."
Tua did not reveal the cause for the partnership between him and Barry to break down.
"I believe that it's time to make changes and change is good. It's time for me to move on," Tua told Radio Sport.
"I believe everything happens for a reason. I think David Tua needs to take control of his life and his future."
Tua said he made it "very very clear" to Barry and Pugh that the relationship was over a week ago.
However, Barry had continued to negotiate the WBA fight against Rahman, prompting Tua to express confusion at Barry's ongoing activity, although he said he was keen to fulfil those obligations to fight Rahman.
"It beats me. I don't know what's up with that. I was very very surprised with that," he said.
He would not reveal the motivation for the split, saying it would probably become public in time.
When asked whether he was bitter about anything Barry and Pugh had done, Tua replied: "Maybe I was, but probably not now."
He said he still personally wanted to fight Rahman " but on the business side of things, I'm not too sure of that as of today".
Tua was also coy when asked about who would take charge of his career.
"I know I've got a good circle of people that I believe will work with me. But as for confirmation of who and where it will be based, I'm not sure on that.
"I need to sit down with this new group of people that I'm surrounding myself with now. They are very sensitive on serious matters, and then decide from then on."
Soon after winning a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Tua linked with Barry to begin his professional career.
- NZPA
Tua announces split with manager Barry
