After nearly a year out of the ring, Justis Huni faces the toughest test of his professional career when he meets American Andrew Tabiiti in Cancun on Sunday, October 29 (Oct. 28 in Mexico).
Just one week later, in Lake Tahoe, Huni’s former opponent Joe Goodall will take on Efe Ajagba in another clash which could propel the Australian fighter towards the pointy end of the heavyweight division.
Back in June last year, Huni defeated Goodall via unanimous decision in a sometimes messy slugfest.
WATCH: Huni vs. Tabiti, live and exclusive on DAZN
Despite Huni’s then-promoter Dean Lonergan labelling Goodall’s performance as “disgusting” and calling him a “f***in’ idiot” for the tactics he employed that night, the pair have joined forces ahead of their respective fights.
While Huni has been in Mexico for more than a week and Goodall has jetted off to California, the pair are normally based in Brisbane and have shared sparring rounds in recent months.
“It’s been really good. He’s got a massive fight coming up as well,” Huni told Sporting News.
“To be able to help each other out after being each other’s opponent, it’s awesome.
“That’s what it’s all about, pushing each other and getting Australia on the map, worldwide.
“He’s doing good things as well in the heavyweight division, he’s just come off a massive win against a very credible opponent.
“It was awesome to be able to help each other out.”
Goodall upset the oddsmakers when stopping the highly fancied Stephen Shaw in the sixth round of their meeting back in August on the George Kambosos-Maxi Hughes undercard.
That earned the 31-year-old a headline slot against Ajagba who is ranked in the top 15 with the WBC, IBF and WBA.
Huni is hoping to open up similar opportunities for himself by defeating Tabiti.
The former cruiserweight world title challenger is 20-1 as a professional, blowing Huni’s previous opponents out of the water when it comes to experience and credentials.
WATCH: Huni vs. Tabiti, live and exclusive on DAZN
“He’s done good things in the cruiserweight division, he’s sharp, he’s fast but I’m fast as well for a heavyweight,” Huni said.
“I feel like I’ve got the edge going into this fight, being a natural heavyweight.
“The size and the power on my punches will definitely play a role throughout the fight.
“He’s the most experienced fighter I’ve fought. He’s fought some very credible guys in the cruiserweight division.”
Huni and Tabiti were initially due to meet in New Orleans back in June before an ankle injury forced the Aussie to withdraw.
It’s made for a frustrating start to life under the banner of global boxing powerhouse Matchroom following Huni’s decision to sign with the Eddie Hearn-led promotional outfit.
The undefeated 24-year-old, who hopes to fight again before the end of the year, is drawing inspiration from countrymen Jai Opetaia and Tim Tszyu’s recent successes as he targets his own surge into world title contention.
“It’s awesome, especially in a time where I’m on my way up as well,” he said.
“It just gives you that extra bit of inspiration to just know in your head, it’s possible.
“We’re just as good if not better than these other guys around the world in the top tens and stuff.
“Jai’s last fight, that inspired me so I can imagine how many of the next generation coming up and how many other people that fight touched and inspired.
“I can’t wait for my turn to come and to be able to do the same thing.”
