KEY POINTS:
David Tua knocked out Mexican champion Saul Montana in the first round of their scheduled 10-round heavyweight fight at Salt Lake City in Utah yesterday.
Aucklander Tua took just two minutes 15 seconds to deck Montana with two left hooks to the jaw.
Montana, 36, was going down after the first shot to the jaw and the second sent him sprawling on the canvas.
"This is not a comeback, this is the continuation of my Tua of Duty," Samoan-born Tua said.
His American camp said he would fight again on September 7 and should have another crack at the world title in six months' time.
Tua, 34, took his record to 48 wins, 41 by knockouts, 3 draws and 1 loss.
Montana, weighing 109.76kg and with a 2.5cm reach advantage, took a 48-14 (win-loss) record, 42 by knockouts, into the packed South Towne Exposition Centre yesterday.
Tua was at his best fighting weight of 107.72kg.
Tua's American trainer, Roger Bloodworth, said he was pleased Tua had heeded their plan.
"He did exactly what was asked of him, he showed patience, used his jabs and his right hand," Bloodworth said.
"Everyone knows about David's left hook, though that was the king punch again today. He's got a predictable left hook but you've got to be smart and boxing intelligent. You have to know when to use your power."
Bloodworth said as Tua had stayed out of the ring for a large part of three years he needed to keep active.
"We want him to have a fight every month in the next few months."
- NZPA
