Shane Cameron ahead of schedule for Tua bout

Shane Cameron says his injured hand is on course to "do some damage" in his highly anticipated heavyweight boxing fight with David Tua in Hamilton on October 3.

Cameron broke the hand in his last fight in March meaning a postponement from June 6 to October for what has been billed "The Fight Of The century" between New Zealand's two big men of boxing.

There was no lack of the usual trash talk when the two fighters and their handlers came together at a press conference in Auckland today. But there was also some worthy aspects to a half hour of verbal battering.

"I'm working on the hand. By the time the fight comes along it will be ready to do some damage," declared Cameron, muscles bulging in a tight T-shirt.

Cameron's trainer Lollo Hemuli said his charge was ahead of schedule with his recovery from surgery after three fractures were discovered following his win over American Robert Davis in Gisborne in late summer.

"I expected him to be punching in late August or September but he's already back punching," he said.

Cameron's manager Ken Reinsfield added: "Shane has been hitting with his hand for a few weeks now. We are on course and happy with our preparations. It's going to be lights out (for Tua). It's not about talking, it's about strategy and Shane will impose his will because he wants it more. I firmly believe that."

Tua, looking trim and relaxed in a suit, also declared satisfaction with his preparations.

"It's exciting. I have a lot of respect for their camp but I can't wait to get in the ring and beat him up," said Tua.

Tua's trainer Lee Parore revealed that Tua was about to enter a month of sparring now that his fitness was up to the right levels.

"It's going fabulous," he said of Tua's training. "He never quits and I push him and push him. It's now about the toughness that David has to have. I believe we are going to see a new and different David Tua, the real David Tua."

- © Fairfax NZ News