Local hero David Tua is prepared to go the distance in his “make or break” heavyweight fight against Nigerain Friday Ahunanya in Auckland tomorrow (Wednesday, March 31).
(live on Maori TV).
Tua, 37, weighed in at 108.7kg, just under a kg heavier than for his demolition of fellow New Zealander Shane Cameron last October, a fight for which he shed 26kg.
Ahunanya, 38, tipped the scales at 104.1kg at the weigh-in in Auckland today.
Both Tua and Ahunanya, who step into the ring at Trusts Stadium in Waitakere tomorrow night, are angling for a world title shot and his trainer Roger Bloodworth said the fight a lot of significance for both boxers.
Noted for devastating hitting power and early knockouts, Tua told reporters he was ready for a long night if necessary
"I'm very well prepared with a great camp for this fight," he said.
"I'm ready to go 12 rounds. I'm ready for it."
While Tua's left hook is his feared weapon, his camp has been working on other parts of his arsenal, and his trainer, Bloodworth said the decisive punch could come from anywhere.
"This is a big fight for both of them," he said. "They are two big heavyweights. If either of them get hit on the chin, they will go down."
Ahunanya, also a seasoned fighter, has had 24 wins, 13 by knockout, five loses and a draw. In his one other appearance in Auckland, in November 2007, he ended Cameron's unbeaten record with a bloody 12th round stoppage.
However, he hasn't fought since June 2008, when he beat American Alonzo Butler with a unanimous decision.
Ahunanya said he was aware what a win over Tua would mean for him. "It's a make or break fight," he said. "I'm putting everything on the line."
Having sparred with Tua before, he knew all about his opponent's punching ability and he would go into the ring with a game plan to counter that.
"No doubt about it, I know he's a real powerful dude," he said.
"I've done my homework and I have my strategy. That's what I intend to do - stick to my strategy and win."