For all those thinking that a better form of Tua will show up I can assure you that this is highly unlikely. Fighters usually get worse as they age, not better. It is very unlikely that Tua will be able to keep his weight down between fights. It has to go up at some point and it is just a matter of time. Tua has not learned anything that will allow him to overcome physical limitations. It is just not possible.
I actually missed his last fight. The opponent is nowhere near the standard of Lewis or either Klitschko however. Wins against the likes of Shane Cameron tell us nothing about how he would do against the elite.
Tua has overcome physical limitations his whole career. It is his mental state that was wrong. He under Barrys tutelage become enamoured with the left hook and one punch KOs. Prior to Barry he threw lots of punches and set up the left hook rather than relying on it. Tuas weight is good and is being maintained between fights now. Lee Parore has got him in shape the right way not just aesthetically but functionally as well. Tuas family life is in a good place again, hes just been out of town for a family holiday in NZ. Tua has stability in his life for the first time since Barry brought Pugh into his world. Dont underestimate the emotional damage that was done to Tua during this period To say a fighter cant do something new or different is absurd and to assure it when you are not in fact close to it is ignorant. Ruiz and Wlad have both brought new dimensions to there games so how exactly is it not possible
Tua fought for the world championship many, many years ago. Since then he has aged and it is simply not going to be possible for him to stay in shape. He could not maintain it at 25 when he had all the motivation possible. No amount of motivation will save him now. Remember that his weight has to go up at some point. I do not doubt his ability to beat average opponents by the way. Never have done.
Isn't this entire discussion on the basis of Tua fighting Wlad in a mandatory? Rematch clause unlikely, no?
Tua is not that ring worn and his motivation wasnt what it should of been there were other factors involved at that time. One of the first things Barry said when he took over as trainer was that he was going to bulk Tua up. I think 230 would be an ideal weight for him comfortable and maintainable. Tua is much more mature and calm now. I have said i suspect Wlad will and should beat him, however Tua is a very live underdog and a better fighter than many give him credit for
I think it is a question of leopards and spots with the weight. Once a person is used to ballooning between fights they can hold it off for a little while. But not forever. I'd bet everything on Tua weighing in at over 300lbs (between fights that is) within the next 2 years. Unless he is fighting every couple of months it will not be avoidable.
I definately think once he retires he will. I think he will only fight another 2 years. Lots of Samoans in NZ baloon once they retire from sport