Tua announces split with manager: Statement from Kevin Barry

24.09 - Over the past 12 years I have worked to manage the career of David Tua, helping in his development to become one of the top Heavyweight fighters in the world.

I marketed and promoted David to the New Zealand public, refining him to become one of the most recognizable names in our country.

My devotion to David saw me put him and his needs before that of my own family.

The journey that we travelled on together has been the most exciting times of my life and I have memories that I will always cherish.

There was nothing that I wouldn't do to protect David and the partnership that we shared together.

At David's request I took over as trainer in 2001, beginning another challenge for me and another chapter in our association.

It was never a position I aspired for, in fact the physical toll that it took on my body was painfully damaging.

I still gave 100% everyday to my new role and I took great pride in David being undefeated under my training.

In the 4 wins and a draw, David knocked out the previously undefeated Fres Oquendo to capture the North American Boxing Federation Championship, he knocked out the former 2 times World Champion Michael Moorer, in 30 seconds of the 1st round and had a 12 round draw with the former Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman.

David Tua's career has been my passion and has dominated my life for the past 12 years, to the extent that I recently came to believe that I was more motivated to win, succeed and become the world champion than was David.

However things change, people change, circumstances change and life changes.

Fame and fortune change some people and blurs their vision.

I have always tried to protect David's interests and reputation, but if David is lifting the lid on Pandora's box, there will be little I can do to protect him further.

I will not be training David anymore, but as we have a management contract, I will still work to the best of my ability to guide and manage his career.

Kevin Barry