Boxing Hall of Fame

The 49-year-old flies to the United States Friday, where he will be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame at the Crystal Ballroom in Montebello, Los Angeles.

The induction had been delayed for two years due to the Covid pandemic.

But the delay hasn't wiped the smile from Tua's dial, or the perspiration from his brow.

Tua is humbled by the acknowledgement and said the recognition alone to the Boxing Hall of Fame with the world's greatest pugilists has far exceeded his wildest dreams.

The Class of 2021 announced on Tuesday (Wednesday NZT) also includes former Olympic champion Andre Ward, Ann Wolfe, Marian Trimiar, and Dr Margaret Goodman.

Elected posthumously were lightweight champion Davey Moore, Jackie Tonawanda, cut man Freddie Brown, manager-trainer Jackie McCoy, journalist George Kimball, and television executive Jay Larkin.

Honorees were selected by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians.