Boxing: Knockout revives Tua's career

A devastating ninth-round flurry of punches revived David Tua's hopes of another shot at the world title when he knocked out promising Fres Oquendo in their heavyweight boxing showdown today.

It was the 40th professional win for Tua, 29, and crucial for the Samoan-born boxer's chances of another world title fight. A fourth loss would almost certainly have derailed his career.

Tua, showing off his New Zealand roots by fighting in all black colours, received a technical knockout one minute 54 seconds into the ninth of the 12-scheduled rounds against the skilful Puerto Rican in Pittsburgh, West Virginia.

The win handed Tua the North American Boxing Federation title, Oquendo's International Boxing Federation No 3 ranking and ended the Puerto Rican's 22-fight undefeated run.

A strong body blow followed by a swift right/left combination to the head left Oquendo in trouble. Tua moved in and finished off with a series of powerful blows before referee Dave Johnson stepped in and stopped the bout.

The deeply religious Tua immediately sank to the canvas for a moment of prayer.

"I'd like to thank Mr Oquendo for giving me the opportunity," Tua said.

"We stuck to our game plan. We worked to the body and we wanted to minimise the distance and thank God it was only a matter of time."

Tua fell away after an even first six rounds with Oquendo leading on points before the New Zealander's famed punching power led to the technical knockout.

Throughout the early rounds Tua's corner led by long-time friend and recently turned trainer Kevin Barry, implored more action from the stocky fighter.

Tua often swung and missed in the early rounds as he tried to land the knockout blow with Oquendo cleverly avoiding the Kiwi's power.

The roles reversed halfway through the fight with the Puerto Rican pestering Tua with some searching body work. The New Zealander slowed visibly moving into the latter rounds.

"I think I was behind then but I believe and I had a lot of faith that it was only a matter of time," Tua said.

"I came out faster in the first round and established that hook just to keep him honest and let him know it was just a matter of time.

"But I can take nothing away from Mr Oquendo, he was a great champion and a great gentleman."

In regards to the future, Barry said Tua was "back in business."

"We'll sort something out in the next couple of days but David Tua's proven once again that he's got huge heavyweight power, power that on any day can beat any heavyweight in the world," Barry said.

Oquendo, who successfully covered Tua's power with skilful hand speed, defence and movement said the New Zealander had taken advantage of a small mistake he made.

"I dropped my hands and he caught me with a good shot. He's a strong finisher but I'm young and hungry, I'll be back," Oquendo, 29, said.

- NZPA