Sunday 12 November 2000
"When David Tua stepped onto the ultimate boxing stage in Las Vegas it was arguably the Pacific's proudest sporting
moment," National Pacific Affairs Spokesperson Arthur Anae today.
"Against the odds this young South Auckland man has reached the top of the extremely competitive and political boxing
world. He has shown young Pacific people that with hard work and determination anything can be achieved."
Mr Anae said despite British favourite Lennox Lewis retaining the heavyweight title, Tua remains a champion.
"It's time for the likes of Michael Cullen and other Government MPs, who denied me leave in the House to move a
non-controversial motion of support for David, to start getting behind the Pacific's favourite son.
"In the high-powered boxing arena David is like a breath of fresh air. As well as his obvious boxing talents, his
fun-loving personality and genuine Pacific pride is a great advertisement for our part of the world.
"I salute him," Mr Anae said.
Ends