Retired heavyweight boxer David Tua could be preparing for his next fight - against politicians, with the Maori Party confirming it is meeting with him to discuss a possible political career.
Tua hung up his gloves after losing to Belarusian Alexander Ustinov in Hamilton last month.
Tua said after that fight the fire was no longer there and it was time to think about something else, indicating an interest in a political career.
Maori Party general manager Norm McKenzie said both he and party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell had had informal discussions with the boxer.
Mr McKenzie said they would hold a serious meeting with Tua later this week to talk about involving him in the 2014 general election strategy. He would not reveal details but said they would make Tua an offer and expected a decision from him by Friday.
Tua fought for the Heavyweight Championship of the World title against Lennox Lewis in 2000. Lewis won.
