Today in New Zealand…

Today in New Zealand… well I’m not sure where spring and summer went to today, what I can tell you is it is COLD right now. The central North Island is covered in snow – great if you are planning on some midweek skiing – and have a helicopter. The Desert Road between Taupo and Napier is closed and a state of emergency is in force. Hundreds of people are stuck in those towns and are unlikey to get home before Tuesday.
On the Samoa Tsunami: it has been confirmed that seven New Zealanders lost their lives in the Samoa Tsunami. Five adults and two children, with another child lost and presumed to also have died. The island nation is still devastated from the tsunami. Donations to the Red Cross relief effort can be made at any ASB bank branch.

The return of David the Tuaminator Tua: Did you see Tua beat up on Shane Cameron at the weekend? David’s trimmed down a huge 25+kgs in the last 18 months and quite frankly, looking the BEST HE EVER HAS since becoming a pro boxer all those years ago. What I saw from his brief 3 minutes and 7 seconds in the ring was someone who is looking for the gaps in his opponent’s defense then getting stuck-in when he sees an opening. David has always been immensely strong – that goes without saying, but now he has maturity and a few more ring skills. Personally I believe he is much better off now the whole Barry debacle is gone and buried. Kevin Barry did David no favors and was just taking a free ride. Unfortunately at that point in time, David was believing too much hype and got sucked in to the BS that surrounds so much of the fight game. Now he is worldly wise and has a better chance of holding on to his success. Now he’s in great shape, I see a great future for him. Yes he is still short but that just keeps him grounded I will predict it here: David Tua for the Heavyweight champ title in 2011. As for the Mountain Warrior – people will now realise the difference between a big guy who can fight and a big fighter. Let’s see him square off against John “smell my finger” Hopoate. Now that would be one fight with little skill value but two big ugly dudes beating the doodoos out of each other. My money’s on Hoppa for the win.