Exclusive Interview by Charles C. White – So Chauncy, you just saw the David Tua-Monte Barrett fight and I know that you have something to say to Mr. Tua…
Chauncy: I think the Barrett-Tua fight was very good, and taking nothing from either guy, but I’m an elite fighter who would like to use a fight like Tua to show the world I’m right there too.
And just so it is clear to the readers; this isn’t a deal where you see that Tua may have faded skills and so you want to capitalize, this is a fight that you have wanted and asked for in the past..
Chauncy: I have. Dave is a friend of mine. One of the reasons I moved to New Zealand and love the country, but I feel it’s a fight the New Zealand public can see happening as they know the both of us and know I have a chin of steel as they have seen me countless times.
As the Interim WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight title holder, it is your right to fight Tua as he is currently the holder of the full title. If a fight is not offered to you in the near future, will you enforce your right to fight him?
Chauncy: I feel I should. I know Dave had a path he was on towards the title, but that path was almost derailed against Barrett and he’ll need an eliminator type fight to prove himself again, to show this fight against Barrett was a fluke and prove himself ready for the title if he can get passed me. We’re both WBO top 10 world ranked, and I’ll put my name on paper today!
Give us your analysis and impressions of the fight itself and how each fighter performed..
Chauncy: I thought it was a very good fight. I had Barrett winning but only slightly. I do think Dave was not 100%. Dave is a legend and he just didn’t perform the way he has been as of late in this fight. I think if Dave gets ready 100%, he will give anybody trouble. Also, props to Barrett. He showed up, fought a good, well thought out game plan, and was in great shape. Good job Monte.
Did you agree with referee Randy Newman’s decision to deduct a point away from Tua for throwing Barrett down to the canvas WWE style
Chauncy: I don’t, and that was the difference on the cards. I feel he should have had a warning, and Barrett wasn’t innocent of wrestling in the match either.
One of the biggest surprises in this astonishing fight was Barrett knocking Tua down in the 12th and final round. What were you thinking when you witnessed this?
Chauncy: Even though I saw it with my own eyes, I didn’t believe it. Not that Barrett can’t punch, because he can, but because Dave has the best chin in the history of boxing. Barrett can sneak up on guys with his power, ask Tye Fields.
Yet another blow to boxing was the judging in this fight. Few, if any, could argue that Barrett didn’t deserve the decision here. He thoroughly dismantled Tua. Give us your thoughts on the scoring…
Chauncy: The 115-111 was crazy. I understand there were some close rounds, but Barrett only winning 2 rounds going into round 12? No way! I can live with the draw, though I thought Barrett won. There were many close rounds.
In your opinion, can David Tua forge ahead after this fight and continue on to make noise in the division, and possibly pose a legitimate threat to the heavyweight champs?
Chauncy: I feel he must make his move now. He should fight an eliminator, which is where I come into play. He’s a top WBO fighter and WBO Asia Pacific champion, and I hold the interim title. Let’s fight in an eliminator and the winner gets the shot. That puts Dave one fight away from the title fight he has been working for. He’s not getting any younger, and if he has a chance vs. any of the top guys it’s better sooner than later.
Do you agree with Monte Barrett in holding firm to his decision to retire after this fight? He has been in a lot of very exciting ring wars and given the fans many memorable moments throughout his career. I know I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t a fan of his…
Chauncy: I give him props if he holds true to his word. He fought his butt off, but Monte’s on the downslide of his career as he has proven 3 fights leading into this fight, and this was a great last hurrah for him. He has had many memorable fights, and this is a great one to go out on.
Well Chauncy I know that you have been training the house down with Joe Hipp and that you will come fully prepared for a fight with Tua if it is to be made. Any final thoughts?
Chauncy: Sign me up for this. I wouldn’t run from Dave either. I’d make a fight of it. As I said, I think he was just off tonight, so he does still have something in the tank, but I feel I’m ready for the step. It makes sense in New Zealand and I’d more than welcome that idea. Dave’s done a lot of great things in his career, and I’d appreciate it if he gave me the chance in my adopted home country to prove myself.
For questions and comments, Charles C. White can be reached at cwhite1078@mysvc.skagit.edu or 360-333-5911.