Australian heavyweight star Justis Huni survives near disaster to remain undefeated

Australian heavyweight star Justis Huni has survived a near disaster to score the most important victory of his short career.

Australian heavyweight star Justis Huni has survived a near disaster to win the most important fight of his short career.

Fighting on the ‘Knockout Chaos’ card in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, Huni moved to a professional record of 9-0 as he survived a 10 round epic against South African Kevin Lerena.

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Huni was awarded the fight by unanimous decision with the three judges scoring him 96-94, 96-94, 98-92.

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.

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.

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.

Kevin Lerena punches Justis Huni during the WBO Global Heavyweight Title fight on the Knockout Chaos boxing card at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Justis Huni poses for a photo with the belt after victory against Kevin Lerena. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Sky Sports forced to apologise

Meanwhile, UK broadcaster Sky Sports were forced to apologise live on air after a member of Kevin Lerena’s team was heard swearing as emotions ran high towards the end of the fight.

After round nine out of ten a member of his team was heard dishing out X-rated encouragement as Lerena went in search of an upset.

Someone in his corner was heard swearing as the intensity of the fight ramped up, leading broadcaster Sky Sports to issue an apology.

The commentator said: “We apologise if any language offended there.”

Lerena was riled up by whatever was said and took the fight to his opponent in the final round.

He rocked Huni with an incredible combination to leave the Aussie on wobbly legs.

But he failed to capitalise and did not move in for the kill, with Huni surviving to the final bell.

Justis Huni was in control for most of the fight. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

He thanked fans for their support after an incredibly difficult week in which his mother passed away.

“Emotionally it was tough, but you can’t take credit away from this young man,” Lerena said.

“He’s a tough competitor. I had him hurt in the first, the second, and the tenth so testament to my guts but back to the drawing board.

“I had him hurt I should have finished him but kudos to him he stayed uyp like a lion. Thanks everyone for the wishes it has been challenges but no excuses.

“My performance tonight isn’t based on the loss of my mum, I came out here tonight in her honour so thank you everybody.”

- with foxsports.com.au/The Sun

Originally published as Australian heavyweight star Justis Huni survives near disaster to remain undefeated