Boxing: Tua announces split with manager Barry

7.45pm

New Zealand heavyweight boxer David Tua has split with his long-time manager Kevin Barry, throwing into doubt his December showdown with American Hasim Rahman.

In a shock announcement tonight, Tua said he had ended his relationship with Team Tua, comprising Barry - who is also his trainer - and financial manager Martin Pugh.

The Samoan-born Aucklander expressed a desire to go ahead with a fight against Rahman and to become a world champion but would not reveal his new management.

"I believe that it's time to make changes and change is good. It's time for me to move on," Tua told Radio Sport.

"I believe everything happens for a reason. I think David Tua needs to take control of his life and his future.

"Personally, I still believe in the dream, I still believe in something I need to fulfil."

Tua said he made it "very very clear" to Barry and Pugh that the relationship was over a week ago.

However, Barry had continued to negotiate the World Boxing Association (WBA) fight against Rahman, announcing details yesterday of the December 13 date and Atlantic City location.

Tua expressed confusion at Barry's ongoing activity.

"It beats me. I don't know what's up with that. I was very very surprised with that," he said.

"I can't speak for them."

He would not reveal the motivation for the split, saying it would probably become public in time.

When asked if he was bitter about anything Barry and Pugh had done, Tua replied: "Maybe I was, but probably not now."

He said he still personally wanted to fight Rahman " but on the business side of things, I'm not too sure of that as of today".

Tua was also coy when asked about who would take charge of his career.

"I know I've got a good circle of people that I believe will work with me. But as for confirmation of who and where it will be based, I'm not sure on that.

"I need to sit down with this new group of people that I'm surrounding myself with now. They are very sensitive on serious matters, and then decide from then on."

Tua said he was in shape to enter any training camp and would prefer it was held in the United States, not hometown Auckland.

"I truly believe in myself and the potential that I have as far as the boxing side of things. I believe I can do it now.

"I can walk away now and say 'I fought for the world title and I didn't win it but I went 12 rounds'.

"But for me it's too easy to walk away and play dead."

Soon after winning a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Tua linked with Barry to begin his professional career. The pair have spoken often of their close friendship and solid boxing relationship as the fighter has forged a record of 42 wins, three losses and one draw, including 29 knockouts. He has never been knocked down.

His biggest fight came In 2001 when he lost his world title challenge against champion Lennox Lewis in Las Vegas.

Barry was not available for comment but earlier today he gave no indication that Tua had decided to end the relationship. He spoke positively to NZPA about Tua's future if successful after the Rahman fight.

If the fight goes ahead, the winner will either be declared the WBA champion or will earn a title fight against reigning champion Jones.

A WBA convention in Bali yesterday announced Jones' status as WBA champion remained intact but the championship committee decided to have Jones sign a written commitment to fight the winner of the Tua-Rahman bout within 120 days of their fight on December 13.

If he declined, Jones would be relieved of the WBA heavyweight title.

- NZPA