The dad and trainer of Justis Huni says George Kambosos‘ incredible New York victory has given his son “enormous” inspiration and “absolutely” made him hungrier to conquer world boxing himself.
Rocki Huni and his son are today flying out from Sydney airport to spend just over a month in the USA in preparation for Justis’ next fight, against fellow Australian Joseph Goodall in Brisbane on February 4.
Kambosos returned from the USA yesterday, landing at Sydney airport to a rousing reception proudly wearing the lightweight WBA, IBF and WBO belts he took off Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in November.
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The 28-year-old survived a 10th-round knockdown en route to securing a split-decision win hailed by thousands as the greatest in Australian boxing history.
As Huni sets his sights on February’s clash with Goodall and six other professional bouts in 2022, the heavyweight is being spurred on by the unified lightweight world champion.
“It just goes to show what the underdog fighter can do – and it’s the Aussie way,” Rocki said of Kambosos’ epic victory in an interview with Wide World of Sports.
“George went over (to America) and flew the flag and that’s something Justis wants to do as well.
“He’s excited about what George did and about George putting Australia on the map.
“Justis lives and breathes boxing and wants to do what George did himself.
“He wants to get there and I honestly believe he will. It’s just (going to take) a lot of hard work in the meantime.”
Miami has been home to Kambosos since 2017 and, although Justis will return from his trip to the USA on January 14, Rocki says more American training camps are on the radar.
“I think it’s the way to go, just being around all the champions and sparring and things like that,” Rocki said.
“Being around guys like that rubs off on you. I think this is the start of many more trips, maybe even moving to America every six months or so of every year, and just building. I know Justis wants to get to the top and I honestly think that’s the way to do it. You’ve got to go over there and spar with the best and work with the best.”
Huni has a professional boxing record of 5-0-0 (four knockouts).
In the 22-year-old’s most recent fight, he trumped NRL legend Paul Gallen via a 10th-round technical knockout in June.
Huni broke a hand during that fight, dashing his Tokyo OIympic dream.
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