Boxing: Tua wins backyard brawl

The three judges awarded 38-year-old Tua the fight 100-91, 100-91 and 100-90. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand heavyweight boxer David Tua barely raised a sweat despite being taken the distance by American Demetrice King in South Auckland tonight.

Fighting for the first time in his hometown of Manukau, the one-time world title challenger dominated the 10-round bout before winning a unanimous points decision.

The three judges awarded 38-year-old Tua the fight 100-91, 100-91 and 100-90 over a rival 12 years his junior.

However, questions will be asked about Tua's inability to knock down the much bigger American, who offered nothing offensively although King again showed his ability to take a punch.

Tua, who still harbours hopes of earning the right to fight for a world title, improved his career record to 52 wins from 57 fights in the pro ranks and was clearly dominant from the outset although at no stage did he seriously threatened to put the 126kg American on the canvas.

The Aucklander was much the busier throughout, was much lighter on his feet, threw many more punches, but was still unable to land the knockout punch, once a hallmark of his career.

- NZPA / Herald Online