Boxing: Tua ready for the big buildup to payday

By KEVIN TAYLOR

David Tua left Auckland yesterday for Las Vegas and the fight of his career.

Tua faces Lennox Lewis in November for the world heavyweight boxing title and a guaranteed $US4 million ($9 million) payout.

Looking focused but relaxed, the South Auckland boxer was farewelled at the airport by supporters, although his parents were not there.

Tua said he was well-prepared for the November 12 bout at the new 13,000-seat Mandalay Bay Casino, fighting for the International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council belts.

But Tua will not have to wait that long to face his taller rival. They will meet on Tuesday at a press conference in New York.

Tua's manager, Kevin Barry, said that meeting would be one of the defining moments of the buildup - when they stand eye to eye.

"They are going to be looking forward to getting into the ring with each other."

The next day the two boxers would film a television commercial and take part in a photo-shoot before embarking on a promotional tour of US cities.

Tua said the support of New Zealanders and Samoans would bring out his inner strength for the fight.

"I had a great time being back here catching up, but apart from that I'm looking forward to getting back into my environment, my zone," he said.

Barry said he and Tua were confident of victory.

"He's been ready for a long time.

"David has been fighting tall guys since he was a boy. Height is nothing new for us."