Justis Huni is filled with optimism about his path to becoming a world champion following the recent success of his last opponent, Fabio Wardley, who earned a shot at heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk. Huni is set to make his return to the ring next month, where he will fight on the prominent undercard of world champion Jai Opetaia’s IBF cruiserweight title defense. He will face New Zealand’s Kiki Leutele in a highly anticipated rematch, aiming to ascend the heavyweight ranks.
The Australian heavyweight standout believes he could already be in contention for significant titles if it weren’t for a setback he experienced in June, where he was surprisingly knocked down in the tenth round by Wardley during their bout in England. Despite this loss, Huni controlled the earlier rounds, and Wardley’s recent victory over ex-world champion Joseph Parker has only strengthened Huni’s belief in his capabilities at the global level.
“After my fight with Fabio, my stocks went up,” Huni remarked, expressing gratitude for the positive developments following his last fight and adding, “They went up again” after observing Parker’s defeat. Huni’s agent, Mick Francis, has called upon boxing fans for support, highlighting that injuries and a low profile have prevented Huni from receiving the recognition he merits.
With his new deal with Stan Sport, Huni (12-1, 7 KOs) is eager to display his talents on a larger stage on December 6. Francis noted, “We haven’t seen the best of Justis Huni yet,” emphasizing the heavyweight’s distinct skills and his potential for capturing a world title.
On the same undercard, popular super featherweight Paul “Showtime” Fleming is set to return, having not fought in over two years. Fleming will face off against Jake Wyllie, a promising prospect who recently challenged former unified lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr. This return comes at a pivotal age for Fleming, as he approaches 38, expressing his desire to settle unfinished business in boxing. “I think everyone knows I should have at least fought for a world title. It just didn’t happen,” he stated, demonstrating his determination to make a striking comeback and compete effectively, inspired by fellow fighters his age still thriving in the sport.
As Huni and Fleming prepare for their respective fights, the boxing community is buzzing with anticipation. Their journeys illustrate perseverance and ambition, with both athletes aiming to make significant advancements in their careers, fostering hope for a bright future in Australian boxing.