Source : ABC NEWS
Justis Huni finally feels in control of his career as he sits on the cusp of Australian boxing history.
The Australian knows better than most that the path in his profession is winding.
But there is suddenly a straight line between the 26-year-old and a shot at the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world.
Only two Australians have ever fought the man universally regarded as the best in that high-profile division, and more than 100 years separate the unsuccessful efforts of Bill Squires and Alex Leapai.
Huni, always touted for that stage, has suddenly shot into the picture after jumping to replace the injured Jarrell Miller and duel Fabio Wardley for the WBA’s interim strap on the Englishman’s home soil on June 7.
Victory there, and another later this year, would position him to fight Oleksandr Usyk for all the belts — assuming he beats Daniel Dubois in July — within a year.
Amateur star Huni won the national championship on his professional debut five years ago and was immediately touted for greatness.
But his trajectory flattened after an injury in a hard-fought defeat of Paul Gallen that ruled him out of the 2021 Olympics.
But changes to his management and coaching staff — his long-time mentor Mark Wilson is back in the saddle, replacing Huni’s father, Rocki — have rocketed him back into contention.
Justis Huni won consecutive fights either side of the New Year in a pleasing return to form. (Tasman Fighters: James Paul)
“Everything happens for a reason,” Huni said.
“I started out big, came out strong and then after the Gallen fight, it flattened out. But it was all worth it.
“I want to show the world who I am, that I can box.
“It was [difficult] but we found a way. I’m in control of my career and in a good place. All of that happened so I could be here and make my own decisions.”
Nursing a sore elbow and tinkering with his technique and strategy threatened to derail his charge.
But surgery since his last fight has Huni jabbing freely and thinking clearly.
“I’m comfortable in being me, Justis Huni, the boxer,” he said.
“Hitting and moving: that’s me, my style, and I’m sticking with it.”
He thinks that will be too much for Wardley, who had been preparing for a stand-and-deliver opponent in Miller.
“I’m the better boxer, better ring IQ and I’m just going to outbox this guy,” he said.
“He’s going to come and try to take my head off [but] my work rate, speed, movement will outdo him any day of the week.
“Usyk has already shaken it up with what he’s done as a small heavyweight. Look what he’s doing to these big monsters.
“You can’t hit what you can’t see.“
Manager Mick Francis admitted Huni’s career had been at a crossroads but that his decisions in the past 12 months had restored order.
“From day one, his first fight was for an Australian title over 10 rounds: never done before and probably never again,” Francis said.
“He’s obviously special … a generational fighter.
“Not just for Australian boxing — at 26 years old, 12-0 — it’s massive for any heavyweight.
“There’s not many that have had this opportunity at this age.
“We’re playing with the big boys and five weeks’ notice, it’s not a lot, but it’s enough to get this job done and he can win it well.”
AAP
