Tua's Career in Jeopardy

The verdict in a high-profile court case in Germany could knock out David Tua's bid to re-launch his career with new management. Tua wasn't directly involved in that case but it bears striking similarities to his legal battle with former managers Martin Pugh and Kevin Barry. If the New Zealand case goes the same way it will be bad news for the Tua camp. The German judge ruled Ukraine heavyweight boxing brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko were wrong in law to terminate their contract with Universum Box-Promotion early on April 30 and that Universum Box-Promotion can claim damages. Vitali beat Britain's Danny Williams last month to retain the World Boxing Council heavyweight crown in Las Vegas. Tua's former manager Pugh told the Sunday Star-Times the decision could have a major bearing on New Zealand court cases which lie ahead this year. "The main thing about the Klistchko case is that it's very, very similar to what David Tua has done to us. He terminated our contract without notice - one day we were the best of friends and the next day he's gone," Pugh said. "The judge didn't take to kindly to the Klistchkos' case - David's got a few problems there." Pugh said he and Kevin Barry would enforce their management contract so Tua, 31, has to fight under their banner in his comeback bout in Auckland in March. February 7 is the date of the initial court case and it is hoped the ownership of a 51ha block of beachfront property at Pakiri, north of Auckland, will be settled then. "It's just like a divorce. He's the husband and Kevin and I are the bitch wives," Pugh said. "Nobody's going to lose. There's tens of millions of dollars worth of assets and the judge is going to divide them up." Then there will be another court case to decide the management contract situation, with Tua alleging financial mismanagement and Pugh and Barry claiming damages. Tua's New York-based promoter Cedric Kushner arrives in Auckland on January 5 to negotiate rights for the comeback fight. "We are scheduled to sit down with Cedric Kushner when he's here and discuss David Tua's future," Pugh said. "We're looking forward to the fight going ahead but we're going to be doing everything in our power for it to be under the Martin Pugh-Kevin Barry banner. Until the judge rules that we're not his management team we are his management team. "The more we look after David Tua the more we make ourselves. In essence, we're watching out for David Tua more than what his new managers are." Tua's team now includes former All Black wing Inga Tuigamala, his close friend and personal adviser. He could not be reached for comment on the Klistchko case. Pugh said his name had been ruined. "I really have to leave New Zealand after this because nobody's going to trust me with financial advice any more." ---- That really sucks, Tua's not gonna be busy this year I guess.