Ghtg of crushing KO
T again in a new season and win the grand final. It doesn’t lyl get one shot, one opportunity in boxing.’
one. Depending on how the fight goes, it could be a hard fought 12-round loss on points. But if he seriously demolishes me, then I’ll have to seriously look at it [retirement]. But I’m not thinking about a loss.’’
Noquestion, Barrett is a monumental challenge. With a broken jaw, thenewyorker ended Tua’s competitive passion last year. But the journeyman has been floored 17 times and, maybe, that result should be kept in perspective.
‘‘I don’t know what his [Tua’s] fight plan was leading into the clash with Monte. One thing I can tell you is David wasn’t prepared like he was for me. It didn’t look like he trained at all when got beaten by Barrett the second time. Hebeat amanthat didn’t even train, I reckon.’’
Yet few believe Cameron can last the distance with Barrett. They don’t rate his credentials.
‘‘I know some people think I’m dreaming.’’
Those same critics should consider the age factor. The 41-yearold Barrett is well past his prime. Youth and conditioning are not in his favour. ‘‘We’ll see how fast his mouth is when I’m banging it,’’ Cameron said, smiling.
Perhaps of most intrigue is, for the first time, 34-year-old Cameron will
Main photo: Lawrence Smith/fairfax NZ. Top photo: Iain Mcgregor/fairfax NZ. Bottom photo: Mark Taylor/fairfax NZ. fight at his natural weight – around 97kg. Previously as a heavyweight, he was bloated, weighing up to 110kg. At that stage, he ate and slept excessively. Henow feels fitter, leaner, meaner.
‘‘I look back now and all Iwas doing was eating and eating. Mybody was trying to digest food. I felt lethargic all the time.
‘‘I was sleeping a lot. Iwas reasonably fit but not compared to where I’m at now. I can throw more punches without having to gasp for air and I still feel strong.’’
Whatever the outcome on July 5, Cameron has no regrets. He’s learnt to love the pain that comes with this game. Thumping other blokes aside, you could even call him a role model with a blemish-free public record.
‘‘In terms of health, I had nothing betweenmyears to damage anyway. Iwas a farmer before this,’’ he said, laughing.
‘‘Boxing has been good to me. My lifestyle wasn’t that healthy before boxing. I like a beer every now and again with mates but I certainly don’t abuse it. If I wasn’t doing boxing, I would be drinking a lot more, eating a lot more bad food, doing a lot more bad things.
‘‘It’s not cut out for everyone. But it’s shapedmeinto themani am today.’’