Australian heavyweight star Justis Huni has won the most important fight of his short career, surviving a 10 round epic against South African Kevin Lerena.
Fighting on the ‘Knockout Chaos’ card in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh – with Anthony Joshua to face Francis Ngannou later in the morning – Huni moved to a professional record of 9-0 with the victory.
Huni was awarded the fight by unanimous decision with the three judges scoring him 96-94, 96-94, 98-92.
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Huni was in control for much of the fight, and as it went on, the Aussie looked strong and composed while his rival began to tire.
However, just as a result looked inevitable midway through the 10th round, Lerena almost turned the tables completely, connecting on a brutal left hook which caused Huni to retreat backwards and almost lose his footing.
Alas, Huni was able to survive the late attack and go the distance, with the unanimous win giving the 24-year-old the WBO Global Heavyweight championship belt.
“I did all the hard work in the gym and yeah, my legs were able to stick it out,” Huni said after the win.
Although not confirmed, Huni is set to attempt to continue his ascension up the rankings, likely fighting world-title challengers Joe Joyce or Daniel Dubois next.
According to reports, the event will take place on a June card headlined by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
“I’ve told Justis ‘you win this fight, you’ll blow up’,” Huni’s manager Mick Francis said this week.
“I’m always up for the challenge and I’d love to be a part of one of those cards,” Huni said post-fight.
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