Boxing: 'Kevin Barry loves David like a brother'

The image of David Tua and Kevin Barry has always been close mates rather than business associates.

Tua even shared Barry's Green Bay home as he battled to contain an expanding waistline.

Tua signed with Barry as a 19-year-old, fresh from claiming a bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics.

Barry had won silver at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics after a controversial win over future heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield. Since then their conversations have always featured "we" and "us" rather than "me" and "I".

Boxing identity Colonel Bob Sheridan said he was shocked at the parting.

"I know Kevin Barry loves David like a brother. They have always had more than a business relationship.

"I don't think Kevin was 100 per cent convinced when the rift first happened.

"What has happened is weird because of the past relationship between them, but it isn't weird in boxing circles when fighters get the taste of money and they are in the situation where everybody wants a piece of the action."