Expectations, heartbreak and pain have become synonymous with Justis Huni’s career, countless setbacks threatening to derail his quest for boxing immortality.
But now the nation’s great heavyweight hope has revealed his miracle comeback to the ring has been all but cemented, overcoming another frustrating injury phase to launch his crusade on the world’s biggest names.
Justis Huni’s comeback to the ring is in full swing.Credit: Getty
And despite not fighting since last November, one thing is not synonymous with the rising star: fear.
“I’m used to having these setbacks now, it’s not the first time I’ve had a setback like this,” Huni said.
“My mind is mentally prepared for situations like this. For me it’s just all about the comeback now, bouncing back in and continuing my path to the top.
“Just be prepared for whatever comes your way.”
Huni (7-0) announced he would commence full training this week in anticipation for his clash against American giant Andrew Tabiti (20-1) – the man who he was set to battle in June before a rolled ankle ended that mission two days before flying to New Orleans.
The contest would have been the Brisbane pugilist’s international debut, and his first bout since inking a two-year deal with marquee promoters Matchroom.
An official date has not yet been locked in, however Huni’s manager Mick Francis confirmed the 24-year-old was poised for the undercard of IBF cruiserweight belt holder Jai Opetaia’s maiden title defence against British sensation Richard Riakporhe.
Purse bids for the showcase will take place on August 8, aiming for a late September or early October spectacle on the Gold Coast.
Battling critics, pain and expectations
Huni’s return less than two months on from his latest setback will mark what he hopes is a recharting of the path he had paved for himself since the day he became the first fighter in more than a century to claim Australia’s top belt on his professional debut.
Since winning the 2016 Youth World Championships mantle, Huni – now ranked in the World Boxing Organisation’s Top 15 – admits expectations have followed him.
Scrutiny over his every move and questions over his credibility have been rampant.
The desire to meet the hype inspired a wealth of fights in quick time – registering his first five triumphs in just eight months as a professional boxer before injuries stalled his progress.
Justis Huni punches Paul Gallen during their Australian heavyweight title fight between Justis Huni and Paul Gallen at ICC Sydney on June 16, 2021 in Sydney, Australia.Credit: Getty
“It [the injuries] have only just started since I turned pro … all through the amateurs I never really had these kinds of injuries,” Huni said.
“I don’t know if it’s just wear and tear over the years, and now it’s just things are starting to fall apart, but the main focus for me is just getting it back together.”
A concussion, two separate hand issues – one suffered in his victory over Paul Gallen, which ended his gold medal hopes at the Tokyo Olympics – a pair of COVID-19 diagnoses and his ankle concerns have kept him to just two fights since June 2021.
His one-year lay-off between defeating Gallen and Joseph Goodall even cost him the Australian heavyweight mantle, and featured a terrifying ordeal in which gunshots were fired into his family home in Logan.
But Huni declared he was fuelled by the adversity, driven by the naysayers and injury carnage that has kept him shackled.
Rather than shy away from the hype that followed his early days, he was running towards it.
“The biggest one for me was missing out on the Olympics. I used to hear why I would take that [Gallen] bout, when I wanted to continue my progression and make sure I didn’t have ring rust going into the Olympics.
“A lot of people questioned that, but after that it just made me mentally stronger. It has become second nature to me ... it’s just the norm now.
“If you know what you want, and you know what you’re worth, go out and get it. If you already know that it’s there you have to be more prepared than someone just giving it his best shot.”
Countering the naysayers
Changes to Huni’s lifestyle down to the finest detail have been made to ensure he does not hit the same roadblocks.
Having been assessed to have particularly flat feet, special orthotics have been made to improve even his walking to take pressure off his wounded joints.
While in the past there has been criticism of Huni’s hectic fight schedule, injury history and a perceived lack of power to add to his belt collection – the WBO Oriental, IBF Pan-Pacific and WBC Australasian heavyweight gongs among them – Francis was quick to defend his young fighter.
Rising star Justis Huni’s manager Mick Francis says the boxer is ready to go to the next level.Credit: Getty
“He fights anyone put in front of him … It’s been from day one, he wants to leave a legacy,” Francis said.
“He’s taken some injuries but he gets a rough deal from people in Australian boxing saying he’s injury prone.
“Justis is competing at the top level, he’s sparring the best he can spar, of course you’ll come across injuries.
“He’s been unfortunate and his injuries, but I think also he’s matured but he’s learnt a lot – once you make a mistake you don’t make the same mistake twice.”