Question: Give me your take on your performance against Lewis?
Tua: All I can say is that I was very disappointed. I am devastated as most of the fans were. There really is not anything I can say. We had a basic game plan that we worked very hard on in the gym day in and day out. I thought I did what I needed to do to win the fight, but there was no plan B.
Question: Did all the hype before the Lewis fight detract from you getting ready?
Tua: I am not the type of person to blame others. To be totally honest though, I would say yes. All the distractions (family and friends) were a bunch of little things adding up. I think somehow it had some effect on me mentally.
Question: Do you think Lewis will ever give you another shot?
Tua: My New Years resolution is to forget about being champion. My goal is to win these fights. I am not worrying about Lewis giving me another chance.
Question: Did your performance against Lewis change your thoughts about your weight?
Tua: An old chapter has closed and a new one has opened. I have never been as disciplined as I am now. I am very happy with it. It is true that weight is a factor. Have I learned from it? Yes. For this fight I plan to look lean and lighter than the last fight.
Question: What do you think about fighting Ruiz before a Lewis fight?
Tua: I am not looking at fighting for a title right now. I am looking at fighting Mr. Nicholson. Lewis was a terrific learning experience for me. I want to concentrate on what I am doing right now.
Dan Goosen: We are not looking to fight for the heavyweight championship right now. We want to prove to everyone that Tua is going to go out there and let his actions speak louder than his words. The only way you are going to do that is by talking less about it and fighting more guys like Nicholson.
Question: How are you mentally after Lewis?
Tua: I cannot blame the public. I feel for the fans. They deserve better. They deserve the Tua that goes out there and puts it on the line. That devastates me. I am really grateful. Am I all right mentally now? Yes.