Boxing: Tua already steamed up

Hate is not in David Tua's vocabulary. But `dislike` would fair describe what Tua thinks of the man standing tomorrow between he and a world boxing title shot.

The pure arrogance of unbeaten American Hasim Rahman has so soured Tua that for the first time in his six-year pro career he has stated that their showdown at the Miccosukee Indian Resort in Miami, is personal.

"Dave always respects any fighter he's fighting but he's making an exception for this one," said Tua's adviser Kevin Barry yesterday. "He has a genuine dislike for this guy."

The bad blood between them spilled over into a shoving match at their press conference yesterday at the All Star Cafe in exclusive South Beach.

While Tua's manager Lou Duva was talking down Rahman, the latter's manager Steve Middleman went over and pushed Duva sideways.

Tua leaped over the table, Rahman followed, both boxers had to be restrained by their trainers, and the tense moment died down.

Pictured: David Tua