Boxing: Tua to fight in the US

David Tua’s fight against Monte Barrett has been moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Photo / Dean Purcell

New Zealand heavyweight boxer David Tua will fight American Monte Barrett in New Jersey, organisers confirmed today.

The fight had originally been scheduled for June 26 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but will now take place at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City on July 18 (NZT).

Tua, who successfully defended his WBO Asia Pacific and WBO Oriental heavyweight title belts against Friday Ahunanya in March, is undefeated in Atlantic City.

"I'm delighted to be fighting in the US again," Tua said.

"Especially in Atlantic City where I've had so much success in the past."

Tua (51-3-1, 43 KOs) has recorded 13 victories in New Jersey, including knock-out wins against former world champions John Ruiz, Michael Moorer and Oleg Maskaev.

Tua's promoter Cedric Kushner said the venue change would help revive Tua's profile in the United States.

"I was looking forward to Brazil because of the opportunity to expand David's marketability in new areas, namely throughout Latin America," Kushner said.

"However, the biggest and most important market, obviously, still is the United States and, therefore, fighting in New Jersey will give David's career that extra bump."

Barrett (34-9), now fighting out of New Jersey, is also unbeaten in Atlantic City, sporting a perfect 7-0 (5 Kos) record there.

"I was looking forward to Brazil," Monte said, "but there's nothing like fighting at home."

- NZ HERALD STAFF