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This Saturday sees the comeback of former heavyweight contender David Tua, who headlines a night of boxing at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand.
It could be a changing of the guard in respect to just who is the kiwi heavyweight king as old guard Tua, 49-3-1 (42), tangles with up and coming slugger Shane Cameron, 23-1 (20).
Tua’s past history is well documented elsewhere but hasn’t faced a world class competitor since drawing with Hasim Rahman during an IBF title eliminator in 2003.
The real story however is that the soon to be 37 year old has been absent from the ring for two years following a second round TKO win in a tune up bout against Cerrone Fox.
Tua’s opponent on Saturday is 31 year old Auckland ticket seller Cameron, who has won the biggest bouts of his career over the last year against Terry Smith and Robert Davis.
While these names of American journeymen are recognizable to hardcore boxing fans, they pale in comparison to the names on Tua’s resume.
But can the “Tuaman” come back and re-claim his authority after two years away from the job?
That comes down to just how good Cameron is on his feet as he’ll need to keep the shorter Tua from getting within punching range.
If Cameron can stick and move, keeping the veteran off balance and lacking confidence, he has a chance but if Tua can find the target, it’ll like be a short night’s work for the former world title challenger.
In any case, it’s a fascinating bout that has energized the New Zealand boxing scene and that alone is a very good thing.
