Why Didn't David Tua Have More Success?

He was a bit unfortunate his peak came up when Lewis undisputed champion. He was successful though, for his size. The heavyweights were a lot bigger in the mid to late 90s.

 

I am not saying that he was not a worthy defense, I am saying that his problem was wider than Lewis.

He had other opportunities, and failed to capitalize on them.

 

I thought he had a fairly good career as it was. Not everyone ascends to all time greatness.

 

Funnily enough he beat several beltholders but never got a belt shot himself outside if his real title chsllenge.

 

The reason is he never went with DK.

A guy like Ruiz, who Tua beat in 30 seconds, got hooked up with DK and got matched very carefully. For example, he was put in with a rapidly fading Holyfield lost a decision then got a rematch and won. After Ruiz was schooled by Roy Jones for a title, Roy gave it up. Tua and Rahmann fought to a Draw. King then put John Ruiz in with Rahmann instead of Tua and Ruiz decisioned Rahmann. Do you think DK was going to let Tua get within miles of John Ruiz?

Sure Tua wasnt at the very top but he could have at least won a belt if he hooked up with DK.

 

When he stopped by my place I hustled up a simple scampi with angel hair pasta. He said ‘this shrimp spaghetti is good’ and I nodded and passed the garlic bread. We never had a problem.

 

I know and I agree.
Tua wassonewhat done in by politics.

 

You're right, Tua just plodded straight ahead rarely threw a jab , and had to have a dance partner stand completely still in front of him to get a win. Recently watched his rematch with Rahman and he made Rahman look like Larry Holmes. That shouldn't have been a draw Rahman won that. He just needed another gear to apply constant pressure.

 

Didn't have the right connections to get a title shot. Had he got one in the mid 90s against Bruno, Seldon, McCall or Moorer he would've won. Later on in the mid 00's he had a legal dispute with his manager that put him out of the ring for a few years which basically ended all hopes of ever winning a title.

 

He might’ve made McCall look like Wlad Klitschko though.

 

Definitely should never have fought at 240+ in some key fights.
I know he had those crazy Samoan genes, but 240 is way too heavy for a sub-6' guy.

He probably loved that Samoan cooking too much.

 

I do think that there was an issue of poor management.

He could have accomplished more on better management alone.

 

He also would have benefitted a ton if he could have learned to dig that left hook to the body. Like Weaver or Frazier. The punch itself would have been powerful enough to cause opponents to alter their game.

But a nice double left hook would have been very effective and he would have froze opponents for the head shot.

 

CLASSIC

 

I love the fact that you threw "a ton" in the 1st sentence