Expert: Lian Shoemake - 2/21/2005

Question
David Tua makes his ring return next month after two years out, my question is do you think David Tua can ever win a major belt? do you think there is anything new he could learn at this late stage of his career which would make him a better fighter. i know he couldn't beat a shot Rahman when they met two years ago, but do you think David could beat Rahman cleanly if they met for a third time? also do you think he should get his weight down? regards.

Answer
Hi Paul,

Thanks for the question.

I haven't completely given up on Tua, but I'm close.
Not only has he not learned anything new in his most recent performances, but he seems to have even regressed. Remeber the aggressive combination puncher who destroyed John Ruiz in 19 seconds? Or the tireless,non-stop punching machine who engaged in thrilling combat with Ike Ibeabuchi?

I can't remember the last time Tua came close to those peak performances.
I don't see a reason to expect he'd do any better versus Rahman in a third bout, since "The Rock" was taking him  to school in the firs bout before the late punch, and pretty much spanked Tua in the rematch to, despite the questionable draw. Add the fact that Rahman has been active and seemingly rededicated, and the prospects for Tua look even worse.
Having said all that, I can see him catching the often-unmotivated Lamon Brewster and picking up the WBO belts, but Vitali Klitschko, Chris Byrd, and yes, probably even John Ruiz at this point, probably all beat Tua.
And now my ultimate "qualifier": But then again, Tua's a big puncher, and anything can happen in a heavyweight fight :)

Thanks again for writing, Paul.

Regards,

Lian