David Tua: TuaMan - Destiny in my Hands (2000)

David Tua - TuaMan Destiny in my Hands.
One of the most watched progammes on New Zealand television, Steven Orsbourn and Davis Crerar spent the three months leading up to the title fight against Lennox Lewis living and filming in the Tua camp... this documentary shows tells the story up to the final week in Las Vegas before the fight.
Steven Orsbourn: Tua waiting for the hook - reproduced from nzherald.co.nz
The news that David Tua was again climbing into the heavyweight ring gave me an immediate flashback to Las Vegas in 2000 and the three months that I spent living with David in his boxing camp before the Lennox Lewis title fight.
I always kept my Tuaman T-shirts that asked me to "Keep the Faith" in a bottom drawer, never throwing them out in case I was asked once again to believe.
I'm asking myself now, has that time come?
It's been nine years since the most-viewed sporting event in New Zealand television history; nine years of watching Kevin Barry and Martin Pugh slugging it out with David for the Tuaman earnings. Nine years of people asking me what happened and why did it go so very wrong?
I co-produced a documentary for TV3 in 2000 (David Tua: Destiny in my Hands) that showed his road to the ring against Lennox Lewis. I lived at the Las Vegas ranch with director David Crerar, filming and living the art and business of boxing. And it was a business - the David Tua show was going to be punched live to the world in primetime and everyone wanted a part of the action.
Kiwis dreamed David would achieve what seemed impossible: To triumph in the modern day David vs Goliath encounter.
What really happened that day will for the time being remain an untold story, until the court cases are over, the protagonists finally stop fighting and time can heal some of the wounds.
I wonder if a little bit of my heart died the night David lost to Lewis. I knew the facts about the fight of course - the Tuaman was shorter, his reach and punch meant he had to get close to let off his powerful left, he had badly hurt ribs from a sparring accident and he needed to throw his right to put Lewis out of his comfort zone.
We interviewed the legendary George Foreman before the bout and he had told us the Tuaman had a "puncher's chance". The Bob Jones's and Burt Sugar's of the real world thought we were dreamers, unschooled and naive about boxing and David's ultimate fate.
History proved them correct, but we were entitled to dream.
The Samoan kid from the islands and Mangere worked with Barry, the former-Olympic boxer and one time plasterer from Christchurch. If styles made fights, how could you fight this odd couple?
David and Kevin seemed to be blood; they always knew the world was against them, but that wasn't something new. They had always faced it together. As a family should.
And if they had got this far together - against all the rules and naysayers - you had to believe it could go one more bout. We had faith in the Tuaman.
It didn't happen and it didn't last.
We all grew up that night, following David's defeat to Lewis, and told ourselves to stop dreaming. What on Earth were we thinking?
It felt like a death in the family. Yet somehow it was more than that: it was the end of the family.
David and Kevin began a long and bitter divorce.Such stories always seem to have "the other lover", in this case it was to be Martin Pugh.
Have you have ever wondered why boxing is the ultimate sport, why the good and the bad, the rich and the famous watch these contests? Why will you cheer a man to pound, bloody and bruise another?
When he hits the canvas you look away, and when he stumbles up again you cheer just that bit louder.
Take the chance to step into a ring, and then imagine where you could run too, where you could hide, whether you could stand and fight.
And then ask yourself the ultimate question: Is it going to be him or me they carry out of here?
Can I stand and fight?
I'm not a fighter, I've asked myself that question and I know my trembling answer.
I know that David has asked himself that question again, and that the answer was "yes".
And now one night in June this year, I hope the Tuaman can give me back a little bit of my heart again. I'm glad I saved my T-shirt. I'm going to be a dreamer again.

[@mrtee2505]

In this era, Tua be a World Champion 👊🏾

[@martinmulivai]

He has now been Inducted into the Florida boxing hall of fame ⭐ Well deserved brother David 👊🏾 Samoan warrior Kiwi mana 🔥

[@takenocrap1892]

the most humblest man in sport David Tua , well done mate

[@thechampion1430]

Have you met Conor McGregor?

[@jse_illustrations]

​@@thechampion1430 mecgregor? humble?

[@Illusionz-de2mo]

​@@jse_illustrationsYes Mcgregor the most humblest fighter in combat sports history.

[@unknownuser5260]

Such a beast but at the same time so simple without being cocky

[@spooktasticaparanormal]

David Tua is a joy to watch, and one of the most exciting fighters of his time.

[@RealmofGenghisKhan]

In my opinion, the best heavyweight not to win a world title in the past 50 years

[@wakuluriel4363]

My favorite fighter of all time we islanders has a gifted power punchers. God bless your life brotha.

[@alexsegurasr3028]

As big and strong as Samoens are why isn't more Samoens in the fight scene? Find someone on that island and go get rich. Cmon man

[@classyraps1128]

Cause of the mixed blood

[@evanhairgelion]

It sucks this man never won a title.

[@surgicalboxing1551]

wow. you know i never noticed that! i was just getting into boxing when Tua was active. i heard his career was plagued by mismanagement. it's sad to see fighters with half his skill get title shots vs bums to secure a title for their legacy

[@Leeroynumanuma]

Fresh Prince of Gretna It’s sad that Ruiz the guy he knocked out in the first clip of this video was champion and he wasn’t. The guy was so badly managed, and unfortunately Joseph Parker one of the current heavyweight champs has the same management team.

[@flipflop4396]

@@surgicalboxing1551 Well to be honest Tua was good but lacked that little extra for a WDC...he would KO the regular boxers out cold...but whenever he faced top guys he lost..

[@CCproV]

He just had a very bad team. They even robbed him

[@Navigator_Isle]

He won the WBC title, thats something right lol

[@MrAdal206]

Tyson vs tua would've been the greatest fight!

[@surgicalboxing1551]

even Tua vs the Old Foreman

[@TRIIGGAVELLI]

There would only be two ways that fight what end, Tyson a majority decision. Or Tua would knock him out cold. If that happened and I bet on it I would place every dime I have on the ladder.

[@Navigator_Isle]

@@TRIIGGAVELLI I wish it did happen, because the Lewis vs Tua fight is one that most people remember but not crediting Tua. Such an under-looked and underrated fighter.

[@Nimvar]

@@TRIIGGAVELLI Tyson was never knocked out...his last fights were just in the need of money...he paid a ton of attention to his neck...That head was attached just too well

[@TRIIGGAVELLI]

@@Nimvar Lol your userpic is Mike Tyson so I'm assuming you're a superfan? But the fact remains yes, he was KO'd a few times. I think Tua would have knocked him out, we'll never know, but it's just my opinion.

[@bumpngrind100]

David Tua is the G O A T

[@bumpngrind100]

power is better than speed

[@diamondsdiamondsdiamonds8711]

I remember watching his fight against lewis. I was very young at the time: 5/6 yrs old. You inspire me Tua, the true definition of honoring God, Family, and Culture. I'm 21 yrs old now still chasing my dream to graduate college and play football here. I never forget where come from. I wish you'd read this but it isn't you who posted this video lol. thanks for sharing this video tho mate, shoots.

[@koimatai4600]

Continue your journey uso and God bless you ✊🏾💯 I see you got the Hawks on your photo you from Seattle too I'm from the Southend

[@sanchez5963]

I wondered what happened to you?

[@lomiaseliga3405]

The Legend and the number 1 Boxer from Samoa, God bless you Legend thanks for putting Samoa in the history of Boxing.

[@betabyfar87]

A young naive Tua. Best heavyweight to never win a belt. He put many good fighters to sleep. That 90's era of heavyweights was great and we're entering a similar phase in 2016

[@marcoantonioc5437]

betabyfar87 whks great nowadays huh??? wilder, fury, aj??

[@betabyfar87]

Don't know yet many fights fell through in 2016 was disappointing.

[@koimatai4600]

betabyfar87 imagine Tua vs Wilder 😂 if Ortiz almost had him outta there Tua would've crushed him with one left hook especially Joshua

[@M10Repin]

His fight vs Ike was epic.

[@sotzchan8103]

16:51 "There isn't a cleaner manager than Kevin Barry" You're lying now LOL

[@darrentinonzii340]

Sole uce thanks for the upload

[@aleks19999999]

Tua : It was nice to see lenox, it almost makes me cry.....he look beatiful....lenox I dont know about ya'll, but the way he said it was very intimidating!

[@isaiahrodriguez4195]

aleks19999999 I Was thinking the same Fucking thing ! The way he started smiling after, and acting all giggly after he said that.. it was like he was preying him, but we all know who he’s trying to imitate lol... 😏 ( Tyson )

[@rigohook1160]

Sam Langford, David Tua, the two best men that never won a world title. I would go on diet and change weight class if i knew, Tua is out there waiting for me.... scary strong man.

[@classyraps1128]

Strong but easily tires

[@classyraps1128]

Tua was a 1 trick pony

[@rigohook1160]

@@classyraps1128 , one trick pony, so what? So was Rocky Marciano, 43 knockouts in 49 fights...

[@_chinmoku]

"What's the worst thing you ever did?" David - Stealing candy from a blind kid .. 🤦🏻‍♀😂

[@DuggerMan]

Big thanks for uploading this. It's nice to have some candid footage of my favorite boxer.

[@PanteRan]

Tua is the best he never fell!!!lenox fell 2wice

[@mataafa1]

Great interview with Kevin Barry after this fight where he said before the fight he had a feeling they were going to lose because of what happen at the house before they went to the arena.... Tua and his family had a prayer and they were all crying and his mother or father hugged Tua and said how scared they were for him and the energy was just dead in the water ... and Tua didn’t let his hands go so it may have some truth to it

[@sheldoncooper0]

Well if Tua had tried to move forward and be more aggressive rather than stay outside at a distance the whole night, then he may have indeed been hurt BAD. You’re talking about a 5’10” guy vs a 6’5” giant who’s shoe size and fist size are amongst the largest ever seen in the heavyweight division... size 10 shoes vs size 19.... no comparison

[@mataafa1]

@@sheldoncooper0 he was hurt boxing at range anyway so onky choice was to get closer and Ronnie’s game plan in sparring for this fight was to get close and punch him anywhwre doesn’t matter where arms body shoulders just punch because lennox doesn’t wear punches as good and the onky shot was to hope he wears down a bit but not doing that was never gonna be a good choice but he chose to do the other

[@sheldoncooper0]

@@mataafa1 he chose to do the other because he can’t move close without getting hit with Lewis big overhand right. Tua is tough and strong. But it is extremely hard to take a punch from and match the physicality of someone that is 6’5 and 250lbs with fists that are significantly larger than yours.

[@mataafa1]

@@sheldoncooper0 I agree extremely hard to take a punch from a big man like that extremely hard

[@markustama2987]

My two worlds most hardest knockout boxers in complete HISTORY will have to be David Tua and Mike Tyson. That's an exhibition fight everyone wants to see. Period

[@besikantidze6242]

💪Amazing person God bless you and you’re family David !!! 🙏

[@siunipatoson7280]

TUA!!!

[@moonmc1047]

Tyson v Tua would have been a dream fight

[@jnightmare0]

big inspiration tuaman one day I hope I will visit your gym

[@Happypowerup]

Kevin voice and accent is still the same I couldnt recognise him without it mate He looked freakin young

[@bboy3880]

If only the fight between him and mike Tyson would've happened all I gotta say is that David tua and mike Tyson are great sports stars love both of these brother's

[@julianshalders6047]

David tua is a Samoan legend, not new Zealand 😂. Pure blood Samoan.

[@loneranger7877]

Kevin Barry stole all his money... for those that don't know and now Tua is broke.. runs a small gym now, which he lives in.. but he's such a nice humble guy even though lost his money to thief's, his managers. Doesn't make sense he lives in a warehouse while his former managers live in mansions!

[@kaid9335]

@@drplayups4572 if that ain't the truth

[@maddogmiky846]

So underated... 😢

[@jessie19791]

[@kevinbarry7475]

Tyson vs Tua would have been like Sonny Liston vs Joe Frazier. P.S, I'm not the same Kevin Barry you're hearing about in these comments.

[@lesblase3667]

It would have been an instant classic. His name would be a household name today

[@pedromedina93]

Tua , tyson , frazier . All 3 of them had the same style all had great left hooks all had good head movement , Very similar techniques .imo tyson perfected the technique imo tyson was the best bob&weave inside fighter quick handed he hit hard but out of the 3 id say tua hit harder than tyson & frazier . obviously tyson was a 1 punch ko puncher frazier also had good punching power but frazier was better at waring down his opponent with body punches chopping the tree down as they say and pressuring oh and you can't forget his heart he never gave up even if he was getting a beat down he never stayed down you'd have to kill him to beat him . tua also had heart and good stamina and can't forget that granite chin tyson didn't have that too much frazier did a little but the thing about frazier is you could knock him down 12 times hed get up 12 times he was an animal . I don't think I've ever seen tua get knocked down or stopped . I can see tua beating tyson by a knockout in a fight similar to hagler vs hearns a short 3 or 4 round scrap I think tyson would get tired first and throw less in the 3rd I honestly think he wouldn't be able to hurt the thicker muscled tua I think tua would outbrawl tyson and knock him out in 4 or 5.

[@Matdogg2k]

Wish him the best in whatever he decides to do now

[@koimatai4600]

What's bullshit is that Tua vs Tyson was never pushed would've been the greatest HW fight in history same height same power explosive

[@pacificpitbull]

You da man for uploadin, never seen this before

[@FirstLast-vl1uy]

Im still sick over the fact that he never fought Tyson. Tyson really did his best to avoid every other hard punching iron chinned pressure fighter his entire career.

[@staraptorflock3661]

You have to understand there were so many standout fighters of that time he couldn’t fight everybody

[@SA77888]

The way Lennox made Tua look so garbage wasnt due to a huge gulf in levels.......Tua was a world class fighter and totally capable of becoming champion as is generally accepted.......I think Lennox probably was a BIT better than Tua, but the main reasons he played with Tua was two-fold 1) Tua's style is just perfect for Lennox Lewis to keep that jab in his face all night long.....and 2) the size difference meant Lewis was able to take virtually no damage at all. That said, I STILL think Lennox is better, but nowhere near as much 'better' as the fight would lead us to think.

[@ragdelei220]

Hell yeah I’m a big Tua fan but he was out boxed by a better boxer

[@mataafa1]

Ronnie had the perfect game plan .. touch this guy any and everywhere just keep touching him...

[@frogman11.3central7]

Kevin Barry "'Yup you sure did take care of business"

[@lesblase3667]

He took it alright

[@jakubwidlarz]

How many watched this docu, and when did it originaly air in 2000?

[@samstafarimedusaschild5762]

#seattlesalute💙

[@benalefosio1972]

Proof Tua was Hurt during Lewis Fight right here folks!

[@turnbacktime6618]

yes,

[@duffymika3644]

cheooooooo go david tua ur my idol

[@IPOWERTV]

Tyson vs tua would have been a trilogy.

[@Filzkiiz]

BRuhh....👍👍👍 & suBB!! Had tO!! 😎😁😊!! YesSiRr!! MeRRyNeWyeaRz Mate!!🔥💯🔥💯💯💯🔥🔥

[@samsolo8609]

What.. The disrespect to not wear the necklace

[@THELIONGUY1981]

I love when he screams IHUHUU lmao, when he's happy lololol so funny lolol

[@Bowan27]

@BOSS20s But we all know he has the most deadliest left hook ever!:)

[@gypsykatcher30]

Im surprised Tua lost this fight. Lennox is too clever to get beaten by him. Lennox did a similar strategy to what he did with Tyson, stick and move and im sure he had emanuel steward in his corner for this one too.

[@lasty23]

Can anyone tell me why tyson never fought tua. Plz

[@paulcimino1974]

No one picked Tua he was the riskiest fight if you were coming up the ranks, + he stopped fighters career

[@tonyaltano7992]

The red -beaded necklace Tua wears. Are those red hot peppers.❓

[@franceswright4066]

my 2 favourite fighter David tua and Shane Cameron and im from aus

[@julianshalders6047]

Not about New Zealand, Samoa is davids country 👌.

[@magasiva6963]

kevin barry the shark makes my skin crawl

[@wolfgangvonuce9615]

I believe Tysons management were behind him not fighting Tua. They knew it was a dangerous fight and it saved Tyson from getting hurt bad. Tua would of knocked Tyson out in 6-7 round is my prediction of the result. No hating on Tyson,have always been number 1 fan of Tyson but I just don't think he can afford to take Tua's shots for 12 rounds as Tua has a more concrete chin.

[@mataafa1]

They were with different networks and promoters hard to make that fight happen

[@hinebam4494]

But still a legend tua had a stronger jaw then Tyson then once agent Tyson just dont give a fuck straight brawler.I wish Tyson and tua had a fight.

[@graemehuia5964]

That was "O" for orsum.

[@jordankahele14]

Tua iz a working power house!

[@jordankahele14]

All together 40 something knock outs, that is some big time damage lol.

[@44tank255]

wazz up with da fast forward...?

[@lavergaenlaquetesientas2403]

David tua is the shortest heavyweight ever! only 5,6 ...to bad that they lie about his height about being 5,10

[@Yaahboi52]

He's listed as 5'10

[@Happypowerup]

He is ~ 10 cm shorter than shane camron judging from face off Definitely not 5'6/7 hes 5'10 Just becoz he looks bulky to make him appear like shorter Tyson was listed 5'11 1/2 He is legit 5'10

[@BlueVein1933]

At 5'7” Tommy Burns was the smallest heavyweight

[@DW-nb2zc]

Against a good boxer like Lewis Tua had no chance. Just a brawler nothing more

[@huntyherb]

Its criminal he never won a belt

[@markwilliamson4628]

No criticism of David Tua the fighter, but this whole production sounds like a bunch of people trying to convince themselves of something they don't truly believe.

[@stoplyinn]

What happened? Did his career momentum just end after the Lewis fight.

[@mmamate5446]

Look at my highlight reel of him

[@stoplyinn]

Thanks man, I actually made a tribute video to David Tua, if you want to check that out.

[@WILDBILLNAZIO]

I enjoyed this video. I thank Tua for beibg a pioneer for us. Im the next world Heavyweight Champion to come out of nz/aus. Check out my channel and see for yourself if i have the potential!

[@fab7148]

WILDBILLNAZIO we should spar....

[@vailimaconnoisseur6538]

@@fab7148 Your name is unknown user ya flop

[@Knockout_KINGZ]

Are you world champion yet?

[@huntyherb]

16:19 keven ripped him off and tua left the sport with little to no money

[@Zero-hf7kv]

Tua lost but best believe he gave Lewis a run for his money

[@aarongerrish8930]

Guy had legs like tree trunks and was a bulldozer, if Tua was 6'0 tall he would have dominated

[@cheyang9042]

Tua vs ron lyle or earnie shaver

[@paulinemuller6293]

Dam South Auckland looked rough back then with all the graffiti

[@bretthannan2826]

Nice hair, Kevin

[@D-Rizzle653]

Mike would of best tua

[@tacofan]

TUA FIRST ..

[@Bowan27]

@BOSS20s as much as I don't wanna say this but YES Tua has been knocked down by Monty Barrett:(

[@earth7551]

And tua was past his prime to right

[@yessirrr5182]

Tua didn't train properly leading upto this fight and he had a bad shoulder I think

[@Gotti.25]

What is he eating @ 13:30?

[@duckysquack1625]

It’s a Samoan delicacy called “supo esi” papaya that’s been boiled till mushy, mixed with coconut milk. It’s healthy and delicious

[@Gotti.25]

@@duckysquack1625 and you eat it for breakfast orr?

[@duckysquack1625]

@@Gotti.25 not really, you can have anytime.

[@jaxjackson1989]

@@duckysquack1625 that's interesting

[@Wenn_dz]

Hamoz!😎😂🇼🇸 6 Eighty 5%

[@RN_BSN_PHN]

It is Tua.. Who Tyson should be fighting and not phony a$$ Jake. So I refuse to pay and see it ..

[@carmenspagers2305]

love I found this my father was 10 rows back and got all wet from those blows lennox knocked the sweat off that lions mane hair he shocked and awed all night...love this, never saw it, but was like Dempsey and wilder but he let u keep ur teeth. ur managers sucked u off to get paid

[@liosmani9353]

think tua hit harder then Tyson. but lacked speed. tua vs George foreman wud of been good

[@JoshHenery]

Lacked speed wtf lol, maybe in his foot work but not his hands

[@maxhitikos]

What the fuck XD Tyson never turned down a fight with Tua in 1991 or 1993 becouse Tuas debut was in 1992 and he was not a known fighter till 1996 when he KO'd John Ruiz.... Man next your going to say Tyson was born in 1966 so he could duck Ali XD people are idiots...

[@maxhitikos]

Nah man remember that the true contenders at that time where guys like Golota, Bowe, Ruddock and Big George....Tua at that time was a High risk, low pay, no benefit type of fighter so nah Mike just didn't need to fight him.....though he might've ducked Bowe and Big George but who knows

[@mmamate5446]

Please check out my highlight video of him guys

[@humanforfreedom9583]

that's what I thought

[@sholekefe4021]

People saying Tyson would destroy Tua lol Tyson had the head movement but lacked chin. Tua could lose the fight standing where as Tysons losses are almost all from KO's

[@koimatai4600]

Damn if the uso would've came in better shape and focused he wasn't using his usual head movement or nothing it's a shame he didn't get down with Tyson

[@lonelyelk5785]

chee-hoo!

[@JediKnightmare]

what you don't know is.... around 1991 or 1993 Tyson turned down a challenge from David Tua..

[@DD-tf5fq]

Breath can't spare covid-20

[@loneranger7877]

Now hes broke, all his money stolen by managers, living in a old warehouse.... sad story

[@harrisbernard7144]

At lest he went down in history he got to say he fought with Lennox Lewis

[@nifo-otifalelima8346]

no offence but the white guy in the limo sounds like a lawyer in disguise

[@karolinamarciszewska4023]

Like this hhahahah

[@ohtebowah]

i believe tyson hit harder with every punch EXCEPT that left hook, that hook was from hell

[@testostyrone33]

They're speaking on Tua as if he was a transcendent talent... Theses documentaries are IN-credible. In Hasim Rahman's documentary, he was depicted as the righteous party, despite the fact that he repeatedly antagonized Lewis. More IN-credible BS.

[@augustin2105]

Its all Business!!!

[@040yeah]

man i see people comparing Tua to Tyson, i mean come on.... Tua is a great fighter but he wants to be the next Tyson, he imitates him with the style and lead left hooks and all that, but do not compare him to one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, remember Tyson is the youngest heavyweight champion in the history of boxing, where is Tua, hes no longer relevant..

[@koimatai4600]

veniblanco just like your mom

[@Happypowerup]

Both are great

[@bharatmulki9805]

tua would have won I think

[@flipnasty2296]

His team did him wrong... made their money off of him but did nothing for his legacy

[@alexsegurasr3028]

The fight of his life he should've trained harder. Trainer fault he got lazy and complacent

[@badboyz0798]

Can tell Kevin here was only doing it for the money , no wonder y he robbed tua after this fight ! He robbed millions from him !