The other two scored it 113-113 thanks to a 10-7 final round that saw Tua docked a point and then knocked down for the first time in his career.
Those scorecards would suggest Tua was unlucky, however his admission he felt he was a clear loser changes the landscape for tonight's rematch.
Tua has billed this fight as potentially the last of his career.
Another "loss" to Monte Barrett, an upper-level journeyman, is likely to see that prediction come to fruition.
Tua weighed in 110.8kg, 9.9kg more than his 40-year-old American opponent.
Tua is 2kg lighter than when he last fought against Demetrice King in March, but three 3kg heavier than when he destroyed Shane Cameron - his last convincing performance - in October 2009.
"I'm ready to fight," he said. "It's important to stay on top of things. I can't just have an eye on keeping the engine running.
"I've got to do a little bit more. It is about controlling emotions and staying on top of things."
Barrett declined to field questions, neatly avoiding any inquiries about his most recent fight - another majority draw against Charles Davis in January.
Barrett's credibility received a jolt when he floored Tua in Atlantic City. Hardly a household name, Davis had managed just two victories in his previous 17 fights before drawing with Barrett.
As Tua can testify, Barrett does have power, with 20 of the wins on his 34-9-2 record coming inside the distance. Tua's 52-3-2 record is vastly superior.
His credentials have never been in question, but his fitness and desire both before and after the Cameron explosion have.
At 38 those questions remain. Tua certainly has the tools to do some damage in a lacklustre heavyweight division, but anything less than a convincing dismissal of Barrett tonight will do little for his prospects.
"I don't know if I have everything to lose," he said. "I have been blessed with the chance to do what I want to do."
