Boxing: Mangere celebrates its hero

David Tua did not bring home a world title belt last week, but it makes no difference to the people of Mangere.

Fans have organised an afternoon of celebrations today to welcome Tua home from Las Vegas. The celebrations begin with music and entertainment about 1 pm, and a parade, from Moyle Park along Bader Drive to Mangere town centre, starting at 3 pm.

The parade will be made up of a dozen floats, including the New Zealand Boxing Association, Cook Island and Niuean communities and a float carrying Tua and his Samoan supporters.

"He's a real hero out here," said John Stowers, a Tuaman Supporters Campaign organiser.

"Sure, people were disappointed when he didn't win, but they're thinking about his next fight now."

Tua will be welcomed at the town centre by local iwi and representatives of the Samoan Advisory Council.

Included in the welcome will be a traditional kava ceremony and Jan Hellreigel will perform The Fighting Spirit (Gloves of Tuaman) soundtrack. Other entertainment includes King Kapisi, Lost Tribe and Dawn Raid.

Tua and his manager, Kevin Barry, will give speeches after 4 pm. A private civic reception will follow at the town centre.

Herald Online feature: the Tua fight