David Tua says he would accept fight with Mike Tyson, does padwork with Mea Motu & Jerome Pampellone

Kiwi pair train with heavyweight legend as they prepare for Fight For Life
Legendary heavyweight David Tua was thrilled to be able to do his bit for Kiwi boxing by passing on some tips to rising stars Mea Motu and Jerome Pampellone as the West Auckland pair prepare to put their undefeated records on the line at Fight For Life on April 27.
Tua, who is rated as the finest boxing talent New Zealand has produced and one of the hardest punchers in the history of the sport, liked what he saw from Motu - who challenges Canadian Tania Walters for the IBO super bantamweight title on April 27 - and light heavyweight contender Pampellone.
“[Their trainer] Isaac Peach has obviously done a great job with them,” Tua said.
“They are ready.”
Tua laid waste to the heavyweight division in the 1990s and early 2000s, notching an incredible 43 knockouts from 52 victories in a career that peaked with a showdown with Lennox Lewis for the WBC, IBF and IBO heavyweight world titles in 2000.
His message to Motu ahead of her first world title shot was straight forward: “It’s very simple - you’ve got to beat them up.
“She knows how to fight. She knows how to jab, she knows how to throw a right hand. She’s got some good hooks, body shots.
“It’s like any sport. Keep it simple and do the basics well. Sometimes you get fixated on trying to outmuscle the other person and you leave yourself open.”
The chance to square up to Tua was “so cool”, Motu said.
“Just the way he handles himself, his stance, you can almost feel the knowledge that he has. It was amazing. And it was great to actually hit him and not be hit back!”
IBF Australasian Light Heavyweight champion Pampellone was also thrilled to be able to work with the legendary Tua as he prepares to defend his title against Mose Auimatagi at Eventfinda Stadium on April 27.
“David has shared the ring with some of the greatest fighters of all time - and knocked plenty of them out,” Pampellone said.
“For him to pass on some of that knowledge is fantastic for boxers like myself and Mea as we prepare for the huge fights we have coming up.”
Known for his punishing body shots, Pampellone impressed Tua with some ferocious left hooks to the body during their workout.
“He’s a talent to be reckoned with,” Tua said of Pampellone. “I’m glad I’m retired. He’s got a gift, a lot of talent. He’s very strong.”
With just three weeks until he steps into the ring seeking a victory that will elevate his world ranking inside the top 10, Pampellone was relieved the workout was a one-sided affair.
“I’m just glad he didn’t put the gloves on and hit me back,” he said. “I have no doubt that left hook would still be deadly.”
While Tua insisted he was firmly retired he did hint that he could be tempted back into the ring should an opportunity arise to square off with Mike Tyson.
“That’s a fight that never happened that should have happened,” he said.
The Burger King presents I Am Hope Fight For Life in Association with Build People takes place at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on Thursday April 27.
-- Footage provided by Steve Deane
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[@ibringtherain7669]

Only man on the planet that wouldn’t have feared Tyson in his prime. Tua is made from something else.

[@juniormanutai8099]

I agree, he’s the best heavy weight of all time to enter the ring 💯

[@jeeploggernz2289]

Tyson was strong like Superman, Tua is the only Kryptonite even to this day

[@SoloSoStussy23]

Ike the African guy who beat Tua punching head to head with tua and didn’t drop would fight Mike too a total DAWWGG

[@coconati2111]

​@@SoloSoStussy23 Ike the same guy that went crazy after he fought Tua. He went in and out of jail.

[@sweetz4054]

Ike was also proven to be on steroids🤫

[@donnybrascocoliogne819]

Tua Vs Tyson?....These 2 Legends don't need to prove anything, they are both in the Hall of Fame. Surely both past their PRIME but yet still look good. ❤❤❤❤

[@ljuchiha8428]

Exactly, I would like to remember them for who they were in their days

[@vv-cy5sk]

Now Tua, kill Tyson . I think he's will be easy do ko for Parker, or more! )

[@Doralyn88]

​@@vv-cy5sk😂😂

[@totimagalogo2107]

Tua has alot of respect for Mike Tyson, both champions in their own rights. Respect to both👊🏼🙏

[@roadtoredemption15]

Only the 🐐 can hold pads in jandals 💪🏽

[@murraysands1468]

Great to see both our heavyweight legends David Tua and Shane Cameron keeping in shape and role modeling for our young Kiwi kids. 😊🙏

[@OptimassNZ]

Great interview - humble champion and respectful. Every time he's asked about the Tyson match up it's hard not to imagine he's still quite capable and despite the time that's passed, he would give Tyson a tough match now as he would have done previously.

[@jordangroff8978]

I'd pay some SERIOUS money to see these two fight, even at their ages.

[@floziq8117]

Tua looks in great shape man. Looks like a video game character straight outta tekken lol

[@daneilrafael4824]

The only person he feared is his mother fry pan😂 He said. Tua is legend. Love this guy man.

[@andrewwhyte3979]

Such a great role model and delightful human being.

[@ragenmass1062]

Tua vs Mike I'm drooling make that shit happen 🔥🔥

[@jeeploggernz2289]

FARK YEAH, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

[@daneilrafael4824]

I bet money on Tua.

[@warmey60four]

..mikes over the hill mate.....dave has been training seriously since lockdown(3years) ..mike on the other-hand..a hardcore stoner with sciatica.....he uses a wheel-chair to sometimes get around becos of the back-pain......give it up already.....mikes got nuthin to prove anymore....

[@warmey60four]

@@daneilrafael4824 ..and you're bet will be a walk in the park for tua...cos mike has sciatica(back nerve problems)..he's using a wheel-chair now and again.....and he's a heavy weed smoker.......Tua has never touched weed or even alcohol or any illicit drugs in his life....he's clean and healthy asf.

[@lnaf]

Money talks, they can make millions if they have a comeback for exhibition match like Tyson had with roy Jones jr

[@101hundred]

Is it me or does Tua not age at all. Good looking out for ur health! Inspirational!

[@besikantidze6242]

What a great man and great champ wow , all my respect David !!!💪🤝👍

[@shoollleeeyt8293]

Tua will be a great coach for young boxer out there.

[@nancyfinau9871]

Gdbless David Tua... number 1😊

[@haywardclark7504]

Beautiful to watch the great David tua

[@Morningrain-dk4wx]

Good see David being interviewed 👍👍👍

[@murraysands1468]

Over 50 is not when you should be competitive boxing. Both Mike and David are legends ,no need to fight.

[@NZMuzz]

Mike's had it for anything serious!! Feel for David and wish he had different handlers

[@vaitoloa5473]

To ask them to get in the ring and fight against each other is very disrespectful to both these men.They are just fine just like that,no need to prove anything to anybody.💖

[@michaelhubbard4023]

I have always thought that they kept Tyson away from Tua because he would have kayoed Tyson. Styles make fights and with Tyson's straight up style he would have been easy picking for Tua. Mike would take Tua in the early rounds but once the later rounds came Tua would have wore down Tyson and knocked his head off with one of those left hooks.

[@reeyoenoka]

Humble man Hell yeah, be a treat for the fans, everybody's doing exhibitions, why not💪🏾🔥🤙🏾

[@i_tearespect8190]

As much as I would love to see it. I much rather let Mike and Tua be the unknown what if fight. They are both legends of the sport. Tua ain’t afraid of no man and I love his respect for Tyson. I’m sure the respect is mutual between them.

[@David_Lee92]

Respect to David Tua. This dude is the fkn man

[@NachoSuperwelter]

Tua is an amazing trainer - what a luxury is that!

[@pdnl1991]

Tua would win that 100%, go Tua 🙏

[@k.smith808]

One of my dream fights I always wished happened. Please please please let’s make this happen!!!! 🙏🏾

[@dannyaumua106]

David Tua is such a G! Great footage btw

[@Rookies103]

Met David when I was a kid true inspiration

[@tagaloa2798]

Love you Tua.

[@danielsmart8398]

The Tua man!! One of my all time fave heavyweights, ridiculous power

[@cavieman136]

Dave Tua was very special fighter and quality human being who has a ton of knowledge to share. Still very intimidating dude as well. Nice work on the pads you two, great body shots.

[@mallafets]

Special fighter, remind me when he was hw champ?

[@iseentertainment3482]

Tua & Tyson bring it on!! 🙌

[@lnaf]

Finally

[@nbj4203]

bra working da mitts in slippah!!! Che hoo!!! stay blessed King Tua!!! 🙏🏾🤣🤙🏾

[@waynepanter5693]

David is one heckof a cool guy, nothing to prove. He's been there, done that. Lots of em ran from him. All the best to the Tuaman 👍💪

[@72kimbo27]

Solid stuff Jerome!!!!

[@PadreKeme]

If the Mike & David fight was to happen around this time, believe me. This will be the biggest yet “RICHEST” fight ever in the era and history of boxing. It’s like being present at the passing of Queen Elizabeth. If you just imagine. Rest in peace to the Queen, no disrespect. I am with Tua’s comment.. “should’ve, could’ve, supposedly happen. We’ll see what happens.” IT WONT HAPPEN! David’s a fit and well in shape Man while Mike is lighting up his FiTh joint of the night. Hope it Happens tho but I doubt it! Both are Legendary Dudes.

[@user-nz4pm4gl1v]

Well said brother TUA

[@justpassingby8782]

Tua is the only one that spars with Sandles lol

[@NBA_CHAMP23]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@chur1503]

David Tua vs Mike Tyson that will be the match of a lifetime to remember not Mike Tyson vs the other fellow that is all over social media lately

[@jaykush6262]

Man please 🙏 God. Let this happen. To top top legends. Would be amazing to see this. Do the damage tui. Always remember u as a top dude man always say hello and smile . That's the way to be. Chur bro.

[@gibbethoskins8621]

That would be an awesome fight

[@isaiahbanksyma]

Kia ora

[@WaYk11]

Look sharp uce. Ready to go

[@DonMarioGarcia-sh1ho]

La paciencia del profe 👀👊

[@bronzemen34]

The DAD Tua might not be fitter then the younger version But this version is more well equipped,wiser and stronger and more educated then his previous self…he is respected worldwide amongst his peers Respect to the brother for always being humble,gracious and kind……just don’t piss him off lol 🔥💯❤️

[@PuhiPureBloOdYT]

This interview was O for awesome lol

[@meretehuia3407]

Got his boxing jandles on lol he da man

[@d_alofa6299]

Uce still looking solid. Right on Uso keep on sole 👏🤝

[@retimixshotcrete5870]

Need a statue of David the Tuaminator, A great man

[@fuafaatiga598]

I love USO GB. Good luck.

[@SuperGGLOL]

David Tua is wise as fuck

[@tangz8467]

His "O"cabulary is as sharp as his left hook now lol seki uce!! LETS GOOONEE

[@randomjive7310]

I like how Tua trains out in flip flops. He's Samoan to the BONE! 😂

[@alfonsomaravilla6295]

Please make it happen 🙏

[@melanatedone4894]

Mike never wanted anything to do with Tua man in his prime. He sure doesn’t want any of that now .

[@yessirrr5182]

Tua would win

[@Joseph-wo3tr]

Still David tua is the best fighter to come off New Zealand shores. To this day! 👊

[@michaelafamasaga3919]

The seevae kosokoso mann😂🐐

[@xHopshotx]

As much as I wanna see TUA vs TYSON and it was the greatest fight we never got. I believe Tua could seriously hurt Tyson at this age now.

[@raulmenedez2427]

Yes, you're absolutely right. I'd be very concerned for Tyson. One good hook from Tua would knock him out cold and cause serious brain damage to an old Tyson. People don't care about tua & tysons health, old age etc. They just want to see the fight for their own entertainment

[@benjiiswaycool]

See the respect for Mike that is nice to see :)

[@josiahpulemau6214]

How great for the fans this would’ve been in early 90s. At their age, someone could really get hurt health wise in the after math of this fight if it were to happen

[@deanmichaelcameron9204]

Both greats of the sport and have nothing to prove wouldn't like to see them clash now

[@mackleisam2887]

I want to see this Fight

[@amirhino5568]

Runnit legendary boxing lessgo

[@leeelisaia4892]

hope this dream fight happens, better late than never

[@goatculler]

I think Tyson camp feared Tua and ducked him back then be a great fight today like David said it should have could have been and fans deserve this treat today.

[@srthellcathemi3037]

An exhibition between these two fighters would be a seller

[@tipenemason8421]

Tua vs Mike Tyson! someone out there make this fight happen!!! it would be a fight everyone would love to see! both are in good shape! There's no former heavyweights out there in good condition at 50+ other than Shannon briggs... and he can get it too if he wants, lets GO CHAMP!

[@tekopuakanapanapa6824]

I not sure id want to watch tua and tyson go at it. Theyre well past their primes and i think would do a disservice to their respective legends if they did do it.

[@adielkhan3568]

Tyson in his prime and Tua in his prime oh my days what a fight that would have been, I would edge it to Tyson but daaaaaaaaamn

[@hamofied2410]

A fight that never happened, could of happened, should of happened, well see what happens hahaha go the Tua man 💪🏾

[@paullong6051]

Mike Tyson RIP 2023

[@popofilipo7114]

The terminator Tua man is back!! 🫡💯

[@fmills1583]

Would have been nice to see Tua vs Toney back when they were both a threat.

[@mallafets]

A mismatch. Toney would have schooled the life out of Tua and embarrassed him.

[@swamy_ashish95]

Where's that gym

[@outtyrider]

That fight would be O for awesome but I wish it happened in both there primes the fight all of NZ wanted.

[@harryyauwhannes3958]

Love both of them ... i named my son ..Tyson... not Tua..because " Tua " means "Old" in my language 😂✌

[@tomaspakutinskas4709]

That girl is gooooooddd....

[@BangBang-kq1kf]

Jeezus Those traps!!! Lmfaooo

[@francois9747]

David still looks ready for war. Keeping his health at a good level is gonna make training camp against Mike a breeze.

[@deemc7756]

🥊

[@jasonpoharama9043]

I'm surprised nobody has picked tua up in the ufc for some boxing sessions

[@SOUTHSIDESLIDERZZ]

Mike will pretend he never heard this David be to powerful as he look in this video

[@radle1840]

TUA ALL THE WAY SELAU PASSEGE

[@bomblifenewzealand]

Where is this gym? Onehunga?

[@daneilrafael4824]

Yeah bro, 5min wall from onehunga train station.

[@MrLeangkang]

It would be a big fight for Tua vs Mike. Possibly getting a few millions each.

[@DarkHawk666]

He needs to go on Hotboxing with Mike, sit down and talk shit about life and the universe 😂

[@tipenemason8421]

David Tua has good boxing IQ

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

tua vs Monty barret 2, good boxing iq you reckon???? he's just a wild swinging baboon

[@locominyana8916]

​@@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4 He'll put punches together on your dome like the pistons on your V8 son. Even if he is swinging like the, whatever it is you called him, they won't miss your chin 😂😂👊👊🤛🤜, booyah kaasha boy !!

[@vai5931]

@@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4 boom🤤

[@DooleyBoy77]

As much as we wouldve loved to see a Tua vs Tyson fight happen, another great fight i would've loved to watch is Tua vs Tommy Morrison

[@pdnl1991]

I think Tua would lose by decision but take the hits and go the distance.

[@silvergold9084]

David looks good, all he needs to do is drop a few more kgs and step up training it would be a good contest between him and Tyson.

[@vv-cy5sk]

Tyson will be DEeP ko!

[@davidk7672]

Ahhh Dave I noticed when the interviewer started pressing you on a possible Iron Mike fight it was as if the temperature of the room you were in got hotter which caused beads of sweat to form on your head. I'm no expert in body language but it looked as if you been training alot with him on your mind lately. It looked really obvious dude.

[@starktony1067]

Tyson would win against Tua because Tua is not a street fighter would ov been a good fight but at the end of the day its Tyson, much respect to Tua a nz icon

[@pingpong987]

Usooooooo

[@doitmyself2557]

well, Tyson was just in the ring with Roy Jones and he said he was back so it might be something I would want to see. i say go for it!

[@erod6468]

Tua is not Roy Jones. Tyson at his current age could/will get seriously injured if Tua was remotely serious.

[@doitmyself2557]

@@erod6468 tyson will whip that island boy ass

[@mallafets]

Exhibition, you cant KO or go heavy on head shots. Whats the point really?

[@doitmyself2557]

@@mallafets entertainment

[@benjamincrichton8222]

👏👏🤙🤙🤙🙏🙏🙏

[@DavidAntunes-rm7dq]

Tua would have beaten Tyson in their primes. Would love to see it now, if marketed right it could bring in millions!

[@lnaf]

Yes money talks

[@sefetupemose7147]

Tua, malo le agamalu male fa'aaloalo. Malo fo'i le fai ole faiva ua lauiloa ai Samoa ile lalolagi atoa. Fa'afetai mo le avanoa e fa'atonutonu atu ile tupulaga faia'e e saili se faagatama aua le lumana'i mo le tatou Atunu'u ma ona tagata. We are warriors people from the Sun ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

[@lnaf]

The Terminator Tuaman all the way cheehooo

[@nz4208]

mike running 😂