Boxing: Tua ponders next step to title fight

By Peter Jessup

Heavyweight David Tua is back home mulling over contract offers for what will be the biggest and most important deal of his life.

Only one thing is for sure - it will not be with Don King.

"That would be signing with the devil, bro," said Tua yesterday. "That ain't gonna happen."

He has another offer from the Duvas' Main Events company but is unlikely to stay with them.

Tua's stakes as number one contender for the IBF continue to rise in the United States, and with them his marketability. He and manager Kevin Barry are thinking long and hard before settling with anyone.

This next deal will take the South Aucklander through to his world title shot, expected some time next year. "I want everything taken care of. This will secure the retirement of David Tua," the boxer said.

Just 26, he could have several years at the top, and hopes his next contract will cover the title win and future defences. It was important to deal with the right people and he would be taking time to do that, he said.

Tua is keen for one more bout this year but opponents have been hard to book, his left hook scaring the journeymen and Barry unable to secure the right fighters at the sort of payday Tua's respect in the boxing world should command.

The timing of his title shot will be clearer after the Evander Holyfield-Lennox Lewis rematch on Sunday. Tua will be hoping for a Lewis victory because the British boxer has already said he will fight the New Zealander ahead of others, including WBC number one-ranked John Ruiz, who Tua KO'd.

Tua will train in Auckland this month and returns to the US early in December.