Boxing: Tua to resume pursuit of 'destiny'

New Zealand boxer David Tua is getting back into the ring to resume his pursuit of a world heavyweight title.

Tua last fought more than a year ago, and most of his focus in recent months has been on court action arising from his acrimonious split with former handlers Kevin Barry and Martin Pugh.

But American promoter Cedric Kushner said in Auckland today that Tua would fight again in the United States in August against an opponent still to be chosen.

He added that he expected Tua to be challenging for the world title by the end of the year.

New York-based Kushner said Tua's inactivity had led to lost opportunities, "but he is by no means been forgotten".

"I'm besieged on a regular basis - people want to know where is David Tua," he said.

"David is very viable in the world picture. More than likely by the end of the year, not later, David should be challenging for the world championship."

Kushner said the choice of trainer would be up to Tua, but recommended veteran Lou Duva, who has worked with Tua before.

While the opponent was not yet known, it would not be journeyman offering little resistance, as has been the case previously in Tua's career, he said.

"I don't think that's necessary, not with an experienced fighter like David."

Tua, 31, said he originally wanted to put off resuming his career until the court case was over.

But he had missed the thing he did best and he had now "surrounded myself with good people and who I trust".

"I can't wait," he said.

"I believe my destiny is to be world champion and no court case is going to stop me."

He admitted he had done little over the past year other than "concentrate on court stuff" but started his build-up on Monday for his next fight.

His weight was around 122kg and he wanted to be down to about 106kg in August.

The initial part of his training would be in Auckland, but he would go into camp in the United States, with Las Vegas being his favoured venue.

Las Vegas was "a great place", despite also being where he unsuccessfully challenged for the IBF and WBC world titles against Lennox Lewis in November 2000.

Tua was confident he would be able to put the distraction of the court case out of his mind during his preparations, saying that would be a necessity for a success.

"Otherwise, it's not achievable. Your mind has to be the right place."

Tua said he had known Kushner since he first began boxing in the US, and Kushner had promoted some of his previous fights.

Tua last fought in March last year when he drew with Hasim Rahman in an 12-round IBF elimination bout.

His absence from the ring has resulted in his ranking dropping from third to 11th with the IBF, and from third to seventh with the sport's other main body, the WBC.

His record stands at 42 wins, 37 by knockout, three losses and one draw.

- NZPA