By Mark Vester

According to several outlets in New Zealand, heavyweight contender David Tua (51-3, 43KOs) is close to a deal to fight Monte Barrett (34-9, 20KOs) in Brazil on June 26. Barrett is 0-3 in his last three ring outings. Two of the losses were by knockout to Odlanier Solis and David Haye. Tua has been working his way back after a two-year layoff. He returned last October to stop Shane Cameron in two rounds and then won a lopsided decision over Friday Ahunanya in March.

Tua is locked into a multi-fight television deal in New Zealand. Barrett may be the final fight of that contract. Because on the low money involved with the deal, it's been tough securing more challenging opponents.

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