Boxing: IBF to rethink plans for Tua's title shot

By PETER JESSUP

The International Boxing Federation will hold an internal hearing on Saturday to reconsider its scheduling of David Tua's world heavyweight title attempt.

His promoters are talking about a big win.

"There's nothing like having the facts and the truth behind you," said Fred Sternberg, vice-president of Tua's backers, America Presents.

"The facts are that he's entitled to a title shot and he's overdue for it," The "grievance and appeals" hearing will weigh Tua's No 1 ranking with the federation against its sanctioning of a title fight between No 3 contender Michael Grant and holder Lennox Lewis on April 29.

The hearing was ordered by Judge John Bissell, who is also conducting an inquiry into charges of corruption against the IBF and since-removed chairman Bob Lee.

If no agreement is reached at the hearing in Newark, New Jersey, Tua's call for an injunction to stop the Lewis-Grant fight returns to the New Jersey District Court on March 27.

Mr Sternberg said Tua's supporters would ask the IBF to schedule Tua's fight to follow the Grant-Lewis bout - regardless of the winner - earlier than the agreed November date.

Lewis' manager, Panos Eliades, said he had booked a London venue for Lewis to meet World Boxing Association No1 John Ruiz.

Mr Sternberg said Tua did not want to strip Lewis via the courts, but would not put up with that.

"Tua KO'd Ruiz in 19 seconds. He beat Hasim Rahman, who was 29-0 and No 3 contender. He's done everything asked of him. All we're saying is, 'Follow your own rules. Give our fighter a go.'

"It's going to be a big fight. Everyone here [in the United States] is adamant [Tua] is the best contender for the title."