Boxing: Tua demands audit of his earnings

Accountants are to be brought in to audit the books of fighter David Tua, his estranged manager, Kevin Barry, said last night.

Barry said the fallout between him, financial manager Martin Pugh and Tua was over money.

Tua, who has earned about $10 million as a professional boxer, wanted the money accounted for, Barry told One News.

Yesterday, Barry met Tua and people who are now helping him.

Barry said Tua was "visibly upset" but he did not think the boxer was angry at him.

"He's more angry at Martin Pugh, my business partner and David's. It's a financial issue and Martin is the financial manager, so I think out of right he becomes the dark guy."

Barry was adamant the audit would find Tua was not out of pocket. But if he was proved wrong he would do the right thing. "Martin [would] most definitely go and also pay the money back."

Barry said he had "100 per cent trust and confidence" in Pugh, a former bankrupt who is godfather of his children.

Tua sacked Barry and Pugh two weeks ago. But Barry and Pugh have said their contracts with Tua are still current.

Barry said he was still Tua's manager and a potential title fight he had arranged in December against Hasim Rahman was still booked.

- STAFF REPORTER