An emotionally and physically rebuilt Justis Huni will relish his English encore, confident this time it goes to script in a career-defining fight on Tyson Fury's undercard.
Huni (12-1) will face British Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London early on Saturday (early Sunday morning AEST).
Broadcast globally on Netflix, the London card will be headlined by Tyson Fury's return against Arslanbek Makhmudov, offering Huni an unprecedented chance to boost his stocks.
The Brisbane heavyweight suffered his first loss last June to hometown favourite Fabio Wardley, dominating the fight before a 10th-round knockout sent the Brit on his way to the WBO world title.
An elbow injury that later required surgery meant he couldn't throw a punch in the lead-up to the bout, which Huni took as a rank outsider on five weeks' notice.
But still he outboxed the favourite until a Wardley rocket connected when the 27-year-old, winning on all the judges' cards, got too close.
Former amateur star Huni, who has faced criticism over his inability to land a knockout blow, had already split with father and trainer Rocki before that bout and parted ways with replacement Mark Wilson after the loss.
He then pulled out of a November rematch with Kiki Leutele when new trainer and long-time ally Keri Fui died from a heart attack while the pair were training.
The loss rocked Huni but, after teaming with Josh Arnold - super welterweight Ben Mahoney's coach - he's returned to the United Kingdom in good shape.
“This fight is dedicated to (Fui); he was not only a trainer to me but more a father figure,” Huni said.
“So I’ll be doing this one for him, doing it for myself, my family and for him. It’s going to be a big moment and one to remember.
“My last fight over here kind of introduced me to this side of the world, now I’m ready to come back and do it again.
"I’m back and ready to put on a show.
"My boxing ability, movement, speed ... when I put it all together it's going to be a tough challenge for him."
Long-time manager and promoter Mick Francis said the tragic circumstances behind Huni's latest coaching switch could have a silver lining.
“I’ve never seen Justis look so fit; he looks incredible,” Francis said.
"Watching him on the pads yesterday, he’s never hit so hard.
"People always say about Justis that he lacks a bit of power, but come Saturday that’s going to change.”
