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In the Blue Corner …

It’s been a long time in the making … but the Samoan Heroes book is just a few weeks away from release. The books are on a ship coming from China, due to arrive late this month, just in time for Samoan Independence celebrations!

In anticipation, the next few posts will be some extracts from the book. First up – To’aletai David Tua.

Heavyweight boxer David Tua prepares for his next fight, against Friday Ahunanya. 25 March  2010 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Brett Phibbs NZH 27Mar10 - READY AND WAITING: Heavyweight boxer David Tua  is mentally and physically prepared for his clash with  Friday Ahunanya.   PICTURE /  BRETT PHIBBS WGC 17Jul10 - NAD 17Jul10 - HBT 17Jul10 - WTA 17Jul10 -  SUN 17Oct10 - SUPPORT: David Tua is staying  focused.   NZ HERALD HBT 09Aug11 - BUT WAIT, THERE'S ...  David Tua reckons he needs to  score points in case a knockout doesn't come.   PHOTO/FILE NAD 11Aug11 - REMATCH: Saturday will see David Tua again take on Monte Barrett, the only man to knock him down in his 57-fight professional career.ONE MORE WIN: Friday Ahunanya was outpointed by Tua last year.EARLY KNOCKOUT: Tua destroyed Shane Cameron inside two rounds in 2009.OUTCLASSED: Tua's sole shot at a world title ended in defeat against Lennox Lewis. RDP 11Aug11 - REMATCH: Saturday will see David Tua again take on Monte Barrett, the only man to knock him down in his 57-fight professional career.ONE MORE WIN: Friday Ahunanya was outpointed by Tua last year.EARLY KNOCKOUT: Tua destroyed Shane Cameron inside two rounds in 2009.OUTCLASSED: Tua's sole shot at a world title ended in defeat against Lennox Lewis. HBT 11Aug11 - REMATCH: Saturday will see David Tua again take on Monte Barrett, the only man to knock him down in his 57-fight professional career.  PHOTOS/FILEONE MORE WIN: Friday Ahunanya was outpointed by Tua last year.EARLY KNOCKOUT: Tua destroyed Shane Cameron inside two rounds in 2009.OUTCLASSED: Tua's sole shot at a world title ended in defeat against Lennox Lewis. OAM 12Aug11 - REMATCH: Saturday will see David Tua again take on Monte Barrett, the only man to knock him down in his 57-fight professional career.EARLY KNOCKOUT: Tua destroyed Shane Cameron inside two rounds in 2009. WGC 13Aug11 - REMATCH: Saturday will see David Tua again take on Monte Barrett, the only man to knock him down in his 57-fight pr

When David fought Lennox Lewis for the Heavyweight Championship, he faced an opponent with a similar style to Floyd Mayweather. Like Floyd, Lennox fought a defensive fight, keeping out of reach of David’s dangerous left hook.

David 3

I think a lot of people underestimate David’s achievement. Many people believe the Heavyweight Boxing Title is the most prestigious title in sports and David was the first person of Polynesian heritage to reach that level.

David Tua lands a punch against Friday "The 13th" Ahunanya during their 12 round fight at The Trusts Stadium Arena, Auckland, New Zealand, Wednesday 31 March 2010. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/PHOTOSPORT

David’s father continued to watch replays of the fight months afterward. “Why do you keep watching that, Dad?” David would ask, a little embarrassed about the result. “Because we’re proud of you son,” his Dad would reply.

Lennox’s trainer, the legendary Emanuel Steward, later said, “That was the most scared Lennox has ever been before a fight. What David has accomplished when you consider his physical handicaps is phenomenal.” Emanuel should know – he’s trained some of the best boxers in history including Thomas “Hitman” Hearns and Wladimir Klitschko the current Heavyweight Champion.

Emmanuel-Steward-and-Thomas-Hearns

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