Boxing News: David Tua Returns to Turning Stone

VERONA, New York (May 3, 2005) – Heavyweight contender and one-time world title challenger David Tua returns to a U.S. ring for the first time in over two years, headlining the June 10 edition of ESPN2's “Friday Night Fights.” Promoted by Michael Acri Boxing Promotions and Cedric Kushner Promotions, Tua headlines “Hall of Fame Boxing at Turning Stone” a night of world-class boxing at the Event Center at Turning Stone Resort and Casino  in Verona, NY. “Hall of Fame Boxing at Turning Stone” is part of the 16th Annual International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, which will culminate with the Official Induction Ceremony at the museum grounds on Sunday, June 12.

Tua,  43-3-1 (38 KOs), a native Samoan now residing in New Zealand, ended his  two-year self-imposed exile from the ring, knocking out Talmadge Griffis in the 10th round of their March 31 bout in New Zealand. Known for his lethal left hook, Tua owns knockout victories over former heavyweight champions Hasim Rahman, John Ruiz, and Michael Moorer as well as heavyweight title challenger Fres Oquendo. Tua's last fight on U.S. soil was a 12-round draw in Philadelphia, a March 29, 2003 rematch against Rahman.

The co-feature is a 10-round lightweight bout with hard-punching “Sugar Ray” Narh, 13-1 (12 KOs), a native of Ghana, now fighting out of Pittsburgh.

The card will also feature heavyweight Shannon Briggs, 41-4-1 (35 KOs), from Brownsville, NY; junior welterweight Lou Bizzarro, 24-3, of Erie, PA; undefeated middleweight Ronald Hearns, 5-0 (3 KOs), from Detroit, son of legendary former world champion Tommy Hearns; and New York lightweight Jorge Teron, 1-0 (1 KO).

Tickets to “Hall of Fame Boxing at Turning Stone” are on sale now, priced at $35, $65 and $85, and are available by calling the box office toll-free at (877) 833-SHOW, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM. Tickets may also be purchased at any TicketMaster location or online at www.ticketmaster.com.