The press.co.nz - 08 August, 2011

A Christchurch man has spent $25,000 to secure David Tua as a household handyman – but he intends to lend the heavyweight out to a worthier cause.

The auction was set up by the Breast Cancer Research Trust, and the whole $25,000 will go to the not-for-profit organisation.

The Trade Me user who made the knock-out bid is listed as a man named Peter from Christchurch.

Trade Me spokesman Paul Ford yesterday confirmed the bid was genuine.

"Our hard-working customer service guys have spoken to that person and they've got a high level of comfort that it's legitimate," he said.

The bidder himself, who goes by the username Parodi, posted on the question section of the auction to confirm his intentions are genuine.

"This is a very worthy charity to support and if I was successful here; I am keen to fly David to Christchurch to tour some schools and meet children in some of the worst hit areas here! It will be be [sic] great fun and a good day!" he wrote.

The auction gives a few tips on what the winner could use Tua's services for, including making breakfast and helping with the shopping.

TradeMe users seemed to think Parodi's suggestion of taking him on a tour of quake-stricken homes would be a better use of the boxer's time, and praised Parodi for helping out two good causes.