Maori TV & Tua Confirm Long-Term Relationship

Publicity Release
Sunday February 15 2009

Maori Television And Team Tua Confirm Long-Term Relationship

Maori Television has struck a long-term deal with Team Tua which will enable David ‘Tuaman’ Tua to focus solely on his preparation for the highly-anticipated Fight of the Century against Shane ‘The Mountain Warrior’ Cameron.

New Zealand’s indigenous broadcaster has one fight remaining in its contract with the Samoan knockout specialist. Under the new arrangement, Maori Television has extended its existing agreement by a further two fights – making a total of three fights – commencing after the Tua v Cameron showdown in June.

David Tua says he is “humbled and overwhelmed ... Maori Television could have made it very difficult for me ... I am very, very grateful.”

Maori Television chief executive Jim Mather says it was important to protect the rights of David Tua throughout the negotiations and consider the value of his long-term relationship with Maori Television. The new deal will enable Fight of the Century promoters Duco Ltd to confirm their pay-per-view deal for Tua's heavyweight clash with Cameron.

“Maori Television did put a complementary free-to-air proposal to Duco that would have enabled the Tua v Cameron bout to be broadcast free-to-air for all New Zealanders,” Mr Mather says. “Unfortunately, Duco was unable to make that free-to-air option work.

“After the Fight of the Century, however, Maori Television will be the exclusive New Zealand television broadcaster for David Tua’s next three fights as he continues his quest to win a world heavyweight championship title. We look forward to allowing all New Zealanders the opportunity to see David Tua fight at the highest level, and possibly for a world title, free for all.”

Mr Mather wished both David Tua and Shane Cameron all the best for this significant sporting event.

ENDS

© Scoop Media