Boxing: Date fixed for Tua's next big test

David Tua will fight Friday Ahunanya on March 25 in New Zealand. Photo / Getty images

Heavyweight boxer David Tua's major test for a tilt at a world title will be on March 25 when he takes on Friday "The 13th" Ahunanya.

The fight will be in New Zealand at a venue still to be decided, with promoter David Higgins of Duco Events saying a few options were being assessed.

Ranked third by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO), Tua's next fight is on February 7 against former World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

But Higgins said the big test would be against Ahunanya, a Las Vegas-based Nigerian in 2007 responsible for Shane Cameron's first career defeat in New Zealand.

"Should David beat Ahunanya that will prove he is well and truly ready for a title shot," Higgins said today.

He said Ahunanya had the tricky, defensive style that had troubled Tua in the past.

"Styles make for the most gripping fights and, in boxing terms. Friday's style is the opposite of Shane Cameron's. He has excellent boxing skills, lateral movement, a rock solid chin - and, of course, he's won 13 of his fights on knockouts, without ever having being knocked out himself," Higgins said.

The Nigerian has won 24 fights, lost five and drawn one. Tua has lost three, drawn one and ended 43 of his 50 wins by knockout - the last being his demolition of Cameron in October.

- NZPA