Justis Huni now feels in control of his career as he approaches a potential spot in Australian boxing history.
The 26-year-old knows better than most that the journey in his profession can be unpredictable, but for the first time, there’s a direct path ahead of him toward a chance at the undisputed heavyweight world title.
Only two Australians have ever faced the fighter considered the best in the heavyweight division, with over a century between the unsuccessful attempts of Bill Squires and Alex Leapai.
Huni, long predicted to reach this stage, has suddenly found himself in the picture, stepping in to replace the injured Jarrell Miller and face Fabio Wardley for the WBA’s interim title on June 7 in England.
A victory there, followed by another win later this year, would position Huni to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for all the belts — assuming Usyk beats Daniel Dubois in July — within the next year.
Huni’s path started with promise when he won the national championship on his professional debut five years ago, immediately becoming a name to watch. However, his rise slowed after an injury during a tough win over Paul Gallen, which sidelined him from the 2021 Olympics.
But after changes to his management and coaching staff — with his long-time mentor Mark Wilson returning to replace Huni’s father, Rocki — he’s back in the running.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Huni said. “I started strong, then things flattened out after the Gallen fight, but it was worth it. Now I want to show the world what I can do. It was tough, but I found a way. I’m in control of my career and in a good place. All that happened so I could be here and make my own decisions.”
Despite dealing with a sore elbow and adjusting his technique and strategy, his career remains on track. Since surgery following his last fight, Huni has been able to jab freely and think clearly in the ring.
“I’m comfortable being myself, Justis Huni, the boxer,” he stated. “Hitting and moving — that’s my style, and I’m sticking to it.”
He believes that approach will be too much for Wardley, who had been preparing for a more stationary opponent in Miller.
“I’m the better boxer with a better ring IQ, and I’ll outbox him,” Huni said. “He’ll try to knock my head off, but my work rate, speed, and movement will outdo him.”
He also referenced Usyk’s success as a smaller heavyweight and how his speed and elusiveness have given bigger opponents trouble. “You can’t hit what you can’t see.”
Huni’s manager, Mick Francis, acknowledged that the fighter’s career had faced challenges but noted that the decisions made over the past year had put things back on track.
“From the start, his first fight was for an Australian title over 10 rounds — something that’s never been done before and may never happen again,” Francis said. “He’s obviously special… a generational talent.”
“Not just for Australian boxing — at 26, with a 12-0 record, he’s in a rare position for any heavyweight. There aren’t many at his age with this kind of opportunity. We’re in the big leagues now, and while five weeks’ notice isn’t a lot, it’s enough for him to get the job done.”
