DAVID Tua’s shot at redemption via the Hydr8 ZERO David vs Goliath blockbuster bout against Belarusian heavyweight Alexander Ustinov has been postponed until Saturday November 16.
It was thought that the fight – originally slated for Claudelands Arena on August 31 – would be put back to late September after the Tuamanator picked up a minor grade 1 calf muscle injury last week.
However the challenge of venue availability and not clashing with other significant sports events saw a slightly longer than expected hiatus for both fight camps.
“This is the fight game and every now and again fighters get injured and plans change,” says promoter David Higgins of Duco Events.
“It’s business as usual. Delays are commonplace in boxing. Arguably the greatest fight of all – the Rumble in the Jungle – was delayed for over a month when George Foreman was injured ahead of the fight with Muhammad Ali.
“And closer to home, people forget that the Fight of the Century (the 2009 bout between Tua and Shane Cameron) was delayed for nine months. That delay only added to the intrigue and anticipation for the fight. I have no doubt that a similar scenario will play out for the Hydr8 ZERO David v Goliath event. This postponement will only fuel the desire of both fighters and will be mirrored by a boxing public which is aching to see David Tua in the ring in top condition again.”
With the event almost sold out, Duco Events want to assure GA ticket holders that their tickets will remain valid for the new date and a new ticket will not be issued. Any enquiries to be directed to Ticketek – phone 0800 Ticketek or 0800 842-538 or email online@ticketek.co.nz
Also all corporate table bookings remain valid for the new date. Any enquiries to be directed to Duco Events 09 309-2907.
Mr Higgins moved quickly to pay tribute to the professionalism of both camps since Tua’s injury was sustained last week.
“Alexander and his crew from K2 Promotions have been exceptional,” Mr Higgins said. “They understand that delays are commonplace in the world of boxing. They couldn’t have been more accommodating in terms of accepting the new date.
“And David Tua, too, has been excellent to deal with. He has put in an enormous amount of work to get himself into peak condition for the Hydr8 ZERO David v Goliath bout. But he has kept his spirits up and has accepted the new date and has already begun re-strategizing his build up.”
Indeed, Tua is unfazed by the delay. “It is what it is,” he said. “All you can do is be positive, and to be honest, there is plenty to be positive about. The delay gives me even more time to get into peak condition and it also allows me to leave no stone unturned when it comes to the strategy of the fight.”
Ustinov, too, is happy with the new date in Hamilton. “Coming to New Zealand to prepare for August 31 has been great. Even though the fight has been delayed, when I come back in November I will know what to expect inside and outside of the ring. These things happen in boxing. I’m just looking forward to the fight and taking on the world famous David Tua.”