Justice Huni is hoping to build on what he believes is a “domino effect” that will improve boxing in Australia.
The 25-year-old heavyweight boxer will face Australian Troy Pilcher at Brisbane's Fortitude Hall on Thursday.
He will do so at a time when Tim Tszyu is expected to compete in the final qualifying bout for the IBF junior middleweight title in Australia on September 22, and when Matchroom plans to stage Liam Paro's first IBF junior welterweight title fight in either Sydney or Brisbane two months later.
With Jai Opetaia increasingly recognised as the best cruiserweight in the world and with plans to eventually move up to heavyweight, he could be a future opponent for Huni, while George Kambosos Jr remains a key figure at lightweight, further proof that Australian boxing is going from strength to strength, with its influence extending to Huni Pilcher.
Matchroom's investment in Huni led to Thursday's fight being shown on DAZN. Huni beat Kevin Lerena on points in Saudi Arabia in March on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou bout, a fight that traditionally would rarely be shown overseas.
The influential promotional organisation also has plans to host a future bout in Australia for popular British heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher, who is also one of Huni's potential opponents, and Huni is understandably increasingly aware of the growing interest in his next fight.
“It's different to the other fights I've had in Australia,” the heavyweight boxer, who last fought in his home country in 2022, told Boxing Scene. “It's bigger this time, there's a lot more interest, so it's exciting.”
“I think boxing in Australia is on a roll and in great shape right now, with a lot of our boxers starting to bring home world titles from overseas, so I'm really excited to be part of a team of up-and-coming talent.”
“It's like a domino effect. When one person does it, everyone follows that person's lead and sees what the other person does. They take that person's style and combine it with what it takes to be a world champion. It's like a domino effect.”
“I believe this is the most number of world champions Australian boxing has ever produced, so the numbers speak for themselves. I'm grateful to be in the next stage of boxers coming up.”
“It's huge. [that Paro dethroned Subriel Matias]”It's a huge thing for Australian boxing. What he's done is next level. He's brought home a world title in Australia's own backyard. It shows what Australia is capable of.”
“I wish nothing but success to all our Australian boxers. Every time they compete I wish them the best and success. If one boxer is successful, others will follow suit and bring home more world titles.”
“[Tszyu’s] There's another Australian boxer on the rise and now it's his time to shine. Bringing home the belt will make people more confident in themselves because they know we have the ability to be world champions.
“It was massive. [that Vasiliy Lomachenko-Kambosos Jr. was staged in Perth] Someone like Lomachenko is a huge inspiration to many young Australians, as many young and promising boxers want to take up boxing, fight to the end and see and experience it first-hand.
“It would be an honour to fight on the undercard of Liam Paro. Anything to fight in the main event with a world title on the line would mean a lot.”
Matchroom's plans for Huni – who has also fought previously in Cancun, Mexico – would be put on hold anyway if Pilcher wins on Thursday.
Pilcher weighed in at 235.9 pounds, lighter than Huni at 247.5 pounds at Wednesday's weigh-in, but Pilcher, who will be competing in his 11th bout since making his pro debut in February 2022, could benefit from the activity level.
“He has one more fight than me and has nine wins, seven of which are by knockout and one is a draw, so he's a tough opponent,” Huni said.
“I'm going to approach this match like any other. I'm not going to ignore my opponent, but I've put in all the work, I know and believe in myself, and I believe I can get the job done.”
“I have good hand speed and I'm quick on my feet. I try to use that to my advantage as much as possible. I've been working a lot this camp on holding back on my punches to be more aggressive. When I step in the ring, I do it with vicious intent.”
“He's very athletic and has a strong right-handed hit, so we'll keep a close eye on that during the match and go through all the drills we've planned for this training camp.”
“I look at every opponent the exact same way. I don't take any of them lightly. I know they've worked hard for this fight, so I can't let my guard down against any of them. They will be prepared to take my full force, and I will be.”
“It’s always a big deal, especially to headline a show. [headlining] That's a big event in itself. I've fought on big cards before, I've fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua, so I'm used to these big events and I'm ready.
“I don't think too deeply about it. [my prospects, post-fight]I'm only concerned about the job I have to do in the ring and giving everyone a good fight. I don't really care how many people are going to come to watch. I'm just trying to give everyone a good fight.
“After this game we will re-plan, sit down and discuss it with the team and go from there.”
“I haven't been offered one yet but I'll definitely give it a go. I know Johnny Fisher is a very popular guy and it'd be good for me to get out there more and get more exposure. It'd be good to take that fight.”
