Heavyweight contender David Tua says he wants to spar with politicians in parliament once his days in the ring are over. Tua said he wants to start a political party targeting the Maori and Pasifika vote once he finally hangs up his gloves.

Tua, 40, who once fought for the world heavyweight crown, didn't give a date as to when he would seek office, saying he was focused on beating Belarus's Alexander Ustinov in his comeback fight on November 16. Former Silver Fern Louisa Wall, now a Labour MP, said she had no doubt Tua could be a politician if he set his mind to it.

"I believe that when people know you're a decent person and you're a genuine person, I believe they'll like you and probably vote for you," he told One News.