New Zealand court to withhold part of Tua's purse!

By Scott Shaffer

24/03/2005

New Zealand court to withhold part of Tua's purse!

Former heavyweight contender David Tua is one week away from his first bout in over two years, a March 31 contest against Talmadge Griffis.  According to Kevin Barry, Tua's estranged trainer and manager, a New Zealand judge has just issued an injunction requiring a portion of Tua's purse for the bout be paid into escrow until it is determined whether Barry and his partner Martin Pugh are still entitled to collect a management share of Tua's boxing income. Tua rose to prominence under Barry and Pugh, but he fired them about two years ago, claiming they stole his money.  Tua then turned over management duties to Inga Tuigamala, Jennie Grant and Robina Tua (David’s wife).  Barry and Pugh vehemently deny any wrongdoing and want to enforce the remaining time on their contract with Tua. The matter has been tied up in New Zealand courts for some time but the injunction is good news for Barry and Pugh.  "We want the show to go on and we want David Tua to fight. Kevin and I have 2 years left on our management contract and we will enforce that term so everyone gets paid what they are rightfully owed. This is what the whole case is about," said Pugh to the local media.  "This is not a trial about public popularity,  its about the law in this country being adhered to. David needs to wake up and see that his new team around him are leading him down a road of self destruction.”