Whirlwind Tua tour

Inspiring, impressive and easy-going are some of the words locals have described world number 2 heavyweight boxer David Tua.

Tua returned to New Zealand on Sunday after a whirlwind tour of Rarotonga at the weekend where he was the guest speaker at the annual sports awards.

For many people Tua impressed with his humility and well articulated speeches especially as earlier footage of the man are labelled under bloopers with his famous o for awesome comment on television a reminder of his humble beginning.

David Bridge of Air New Zealand the company that was instrumental in bringing the Tuaman to Rarotonga through a staff members family connection with the boxer commented that of all the high profile sports people theyve brought to Rarotonga for the annual sports awards including All Blacks players, Tua caused the biggest buzz on the island.

Being of Polynesian descent made it easier for locals to relate to Tua and of course his speech in Cook Islands Maori at the sports awards was almost enough for Prime Minister Henry Puna to give the adopted Cookie PR!

We feature more photos from Tuas three-day visit to Rarotonga.