Justis Huni out to make a statement on Joshua vs Ngannou undercard

Justis Huni has had a tough few years with injury, but is ready to show the world what he’s capable of on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight.

Justis Huni has huge plans on one of the biggest cards of the year so far. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

He’s fighting on a card stacked with some of the best boxers on the planet, but Australia’s Justis Huni promises to “show the world I’m a heavyweight they’ve never seen before” when he takes on Kevin Lerena on the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou undercard in Saudi Arabia this Saturday morning.

Australia’s number one heavyweight, the 8-0 Huni faces the toughest task of his professional career to date against the 30-2 Lerena.

The 31-year-old South African carries a wealth of experience, and fought for the WBA world title against Daniel Dubios just two years ago.

Huni (L) and Kevin Lerena (R) face-off in Riyadh. Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Lerena nearly scored a stunning upset when Dubois went down three times in the first round, but was ultimately stopped by the Englishman in the third.

“That’s why I want to make a statement in this fight, to showcase my ability in the ring against a guy like Lerena,” Huni told this masthead. “I want to impress a lot of people and set myself up for the future with more fights on these cards.”

The eyes of the entire boxing world will be on the card as former unified heavyweight champ Joshua takes on one-time UFC heavyweight king Ngannou.

Lerena lost a wild fight to Daniel Dubois. Picture: Getty Images

None of that phases Huni though, who sees it as the perfect opportunity to win over new fans.

“I’m just lapping it all up as I go,” he said. “I’m a boxer, man. I can fight on the back foot, I can fight on the front foot.

“Kevin is explosive and carries a lot of power, so I need to be cautious of that, but I think I’ll be able to get the job done and I think I can stop him.

“I’m just continuing to grow my fanbase and following. I’ll continue to showcase my ability and show the world I’m a heavyweight they’ve never seen before.”

Huni plans on winning over more fans this weekend. Picture: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Huni has battled through a rough couple of years, after injury ruled him out of the Tokyo Olympics and halted his rise up the professional ranks.

The Brisbane-based 24-year-old only fought once last year, but after signing with promotional powerhouse Matchroom, has been linked to some mouth-watering match-ups.

Those include grudge matches against the likes of Dubois, Joe Joyce and possibly even New Zealand’s former heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, who takes on Zhilei Zhang on the Joshua-Ngannou card.

Huni stopped Paul Gallen in 2021. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“Joseph Parker has been awesome, he’s actually been a big help for me,” Huni said. “He’s taking me under his wing, and has introduced me to a lot of guys over here.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Joe, but if that time comes that we face each other, it’ll be all business.

“It’ll be really good for the fans down under.”

While the card starts at 5am, expect the main event to take place at around 9am AEDT on Saturday, March 9.

Originally published as Justis Huni out to make a statement on Joshua vs Ngannou undercard