17 Nov 2013

Former Games coach hails decision by Tua to retire

12:11 pm on 17 November 2013

A former New Zealand Commonwealth Games boxing coach says it is the right time for heavyweight David Tua to hang up the gloves.

Tua announced he would retire after losing by a unanimous points decision against Alexander Ustinov of Belarus in a 12 round fight in Hamilton on Saturday night.

Billy Meehan, the coach of the New Zealand mens boxing team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, says it is the end of an era for the sport in this country.

He says Tua always garnered a lot of interest and coverage in the sport, but he's made the right decision to quit the sport now.