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DAVID
TUA: THE TUAMAN WITH OR WITHOUT THE FORTUNE |
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By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
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David Tua is fighting the
fight of his life in an Auckland court room instead of the familiar
boxing ring in which he has gained world wide fame and fortune. In
dispute is the Tuaman Inc. estate and who rightfully owns what — Kevin
Barry and Martin Pugh former management team versus David Tua.
Kevin Barry reportedly said in a television interview that ”David spent
$6,000 on food at one time..” So what? Was it not David’s hard earned
cash to spend whatever way he saw fit? The recorded tapes of David and
partner Robina may not reflect favourably on David but what couples
don’t argue. The details we need not know.
The betrayal of trust and friendship and David’s somewhat naivety is
evident. With the onslaught of Kevin Barry’s one way slinging match of
words in the media, it has become a very sad affair. Betrayal is so
unbecoming.
From the truth we see the human side of David and his flaws like
everyone else. We accept it and forgive him. He is our hero.
We empathise because in David we see ourselves — each time we place our
trust in those with less values and lacking of integrity.
His pain is our pain just as his victories in the ring we made our
victories.
We elate in the humble boy from South Auckland who dared to dream that
he would some day be the World Heavy Weight Champion - who would take
on the likes of Mike Tyson and others. We respect him regardless of the
outcome.
We share in his pride every time he steps in the ring flaunting his
bright red ‘ulafala’ and ‘lavalava’ before a match – his identity, more
significant than any gold medal he could attain in any international
arena. His affection for his family in particular his mother, endear
him to us. His love of God, home and country stir within us spiritual
and nationalist sentiments.
In the after-court we see the Samoan humour and joviality in action - a
dignified front in trying to make sense of his predicament and dilemma.
The first time I met David Tua was at a Smokefree event last year where
he was the guest speaker and one
of the faces on the Pasifika Smoke free Posters. He had offered freely
of his time and profile as he has done for many other worthy causes. |
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David Tua with wife Robyna and cousin Inga Tuigamala, part of
the Tuaman’s new management lineup, at the Heart Foundation
charity cricket match. (Photo: Ruci Farrell) |
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Garth Halliday, head of the National Children’s Heart Foundation
with David Tua at the recent charity cricket match for the Heart
Foundation at Cornwall Park. (Photo: Ruci Farrell) |
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All in the family, Tuaman with Kaynan (6) and Klein (9) taking
part in the recent charity cricket match at Cornwall Park in
support of the Heart Foundation. (Photo: Ruci Farrell) |
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David showed his trademark charm and good manners. He is not a man of
many words and that’s ok. But his actions and quiet demeanour during
this trying ordeal have spoken loudly of his admirable strength of character.
David's courage and
grace even in the face of losing everything does us proud.
The outcome is uncertain. However, one thing we can be certain of, is that — with or without the fortune David will walk away with his
integrity very much intact.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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