By Phil D. Jay

Former world heavyweight title challenger David Tua is ready to step away from boxing if he is unable to over come American Monte Barrett when he meets the 40 year-old in the fall (autumn). The 38 year-old New Zealander is undefeated in ten years since suffering a loss to Chris Byrd in 2001 and now prepares to meet ‘Two Gunz’ once again after their first meeting a year ago ended in a draw.

Tua (52-3-2, 43 KO’s) unsuccessfully challenged Lennox Lewis in 2000 at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, losing a one-sided points decision and now has now stated that the fight with Barrett could be his last if he fails to overcome the nine-loss veteran and gain himself a shot at a world title.

"For me I can only be honest with myself and speak the truth with how I feel. Nothing has ever changed,” Tua told tvnz.co.nz.

"If I can't beat this guy then I've got to maybe look at doing something else.

"This could potentially be my last fight," he added.

Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net