The hype appeared justified for a once-in-a-generation talent, one seemingly capable of one day challenging for one of the greatest prizes in world sport, the heavyweight championship of the world.That victory over Gallen came at a huge cost. The hands that pummelled the former footballer copped such a battering in the process that he was forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics – where he would have been the favourite for gold – dashing a lifelong dream.
Throw in the parting with his long-time promoter, and it’s little wonder that his last foray in the ring was in November. After several false starts, Huni is back in action on Sunday morning against American Andrew Tabiti in Cancun. It will be Huni’s international debut and the first fight under new promoter Eddie Hearn, whose Matchroom stable has the power to elevate the 24-year-old into a global star if his potential is realised.
Huni has already earned a World Boxing Organisation ranking of 15, a lofty standing unheard of for one so inexperienced. His opponent, rising from cruiserweight to take the challenge, is formidable. Tabiti has won all but one of his 21 fights, 16 via knockout.Getty The Gallen fight simultaneously launched and stalled Huni’s career. The victory over an opponent of Gallen’s standing added to his own, but the injuries sustained ruled him out of the Olympics.
“There’s a couple of things we could have changed and done better, but we learnt from it and we’re back on track. That’s all that matters.”
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