David Tua vs Friday the 13th

Wednesday 16 December

Media Statement:

David Tua vs Friday the 13th
 

David Tua’s single-minded campaign for the world heavyweight title meets its next stern test in New Zealand in his match up with the formidable Friday ‘The 13th’ Ahunanya, on the likely date of 25 March 2010.

October’s Fight of the Century, as predicted, stopped the country. David Tua’s ferocious demolition of Shane Cameron within two rounds was reminiscent of Mike Tyson at his rampaging best. It signalled that Tua is back – with a vengeance.

The bout drew a huge pay per view television audience and unprecedented public attention. It re-established David Tua as the hottest sports star in New Zealand. He ranks second on the list of the Most Googled New Zealanders of 2009, eight places ahead of Dan Carter. The bout also marked David Tua’s second coming as an ‘excitement machine’.

4 of the top ten TV audiences in New Zealand history have been boxing-related, according to AC Neilson. Tua-Cameron, with its Las Vegas quality staging and explosive action, lifted boxing in New Zealand to new heights. The Fight of the Century confirmed once again that New Zealanders are hooked on the drama of top level boxing – and keen to see David Tua in action.

There is every chance that David Tua will fight for the heavyweight championship of the world within a year. That is the goal of the gruelling campaign he is now committed to. But to rate as a credible contender, he knows he must subject himself to a series of tough tests. One of the toughest will surely be his bout with Friday ‘The 13th’ Ahunanya.

Duco Events and Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing are proud to welcome Friday Ahunanya back to New Zealand.

Friday Ahunanya was responsible for Shane Cameron’s first career defeat here in 2007. He has never been knocked out. Duco Events Director David Higgins points out that he has the tricky, defensive style that has troubled David Tua in the past.

Higgins says: “Styles make for the most gripping fights and, in boxing terms, Friday’s style is the opposite of Shane Cameron’s. He has excellent boxing skills, lateral movement, a rock solid chin – and, of course, he’s won 13 of his fights on knockouts, without ever having being knocked out himself.”

Since they first sparred together in 2001, Friday ‘The 13th’ Ahunanya has called David Tua out numerous times. The Kiwi heavyweight has never responded to the call-outs – until now.

Tua is emphatic about the significance of the bout. “I want to destroy Friday,” Tua says. “I want it to be destructive. It has to be because I need people in the States to hear the noise all the way from Down Under.”

Friday is equally emphatic that he’s coming to New Zealand to win. “I’m going to knock David Tua out,” he promises. “And if I can’t do that, I’ll take the fight on points. Anyone who understands how to box – understands the science of boxing – can beat David Tua. And I’ll prove it.”

David Tua versus ‘Friday the 13th’ is an intriguing prospect. One of the greatest power punchers in boxing history will be confronting a technically accomplished boxer with a formidable defence. Can Tua knock Ahunanya out or will it go the whole distance like virtually all of Friday’s previous fights?

The fight is a real and major threat for David Tua and, as promoter David Higgins says: “It will answer the question – ‘is he really back?’ Only a win can ensure that he advances his quest for the world title. The stakes are high.

“As for the event itself, those who were lucky enough to be at Tua-Cameron will testify that nothing beats being there live. Until you’ve had the live boxing experience, you haven’t lived!

“Nothing can prepare you for the power and the elemental energy. And the extra ingredient this time is that, though we’ll be working hard to make sure it doesn’t happen, this could be David Tua’s last fight on home turf before a world title challenge.”

In acknowledging the bout’s Naming Right Sponsor, Woodstock Bourbon and Cola, and the Principal Media Partners, The Rock and Mai FM, David Higgins pointed out that Duco Events had received not a single complaint from the audience sitting at the 150-plus corporate tables sold for the Fight of the Century

“However, that won’t stop us improving,” Higgins says. “This time the average table price will be more affordable and food and beverage will be included. The average ticket price will also be more affordable across the board.

“As for the venue – we haven’t made a decision yet, so it’s a case of watch this space. It will be worth the wait. Remember that a lot of the pundits called the Fight of the Century ahead of time in Cameron’s favour. But this is boxing and in boxing anything can happen – and usually will!”

More details will be available in coming weeks at www.ducoevents.co.nz
ends

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