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ABC News
06-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Justis Huni says his career is back on track, and ready for heavyweight title shot
Justis Huni finally feels in control of his career as he sits on the cusp of Australian boxing history. The Australian knows better than most that the path in his profession is winding. But there is suddenly a straight line between the 26-year-old and a shot at the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. Only two Australians have ever fought the man universally regarded as the best in that high-profile division, and more than 100 years separate the unsuccessful efforts of Bill Squires and Alex Leapai. Huni, always touted for that stage, has suddenly shot into the picture after jumping to replace the injured Jarrell Miller and Victory there, and another later this year, would position him to fight Oleksandr Usyk for all the belts — assuming he beats Daniel Dubois in July — within a year. Amateur star Huni won the national championship on his professional debut five years ago and was immediately touted for greatness. But his trajectory flattened after an injury in a But changes to his management and coaching staff — his long-time mentor Mark Wilson is back in the saddle, replacing Huni's father, Rocki — have rocketed him back into contention. Justis Huni won consecutive fights either side of the New Year in a pleasing return to form. ( Tasman Fighters: James Paul ) "Everything happens for a reason," Huni said. "I started out big, came out strong and then after the Gallen fight, it flattened out. But it was all worth it. "I want to show the world who I am, that I can box. "It was [difficult] but we found a way. I'm in control of my career and in a good place. All of that happened so I could be here and make my own decisions." Nursing a sore elbow and tinkering with his technique and strategy threatened to derail his charge. But surgery since his last fight has Huni jabbing freely and thinking clearly. "I'm comfortable in being me, Justis Huni, the boxer," he said. "Hitting and moving: that's me, my style, and I'm sticking with it." ABC Sport Daily is your daily sports conversation. We dive into the biggest story of the day and get you up to speed with everything else that's making headlines. He thinks that will be too much for Wardley, who had been preparing for a stand-and-deliver opponent in Miller. "I'm the better boxer, better ring IQ and I'm just going to outbox this guy," he said. "He's going to come and try to take my head off [but] my work rate, speed, movement will outdo him any day of the week. "Usyk has already shaken it up with what he's done as a small heavyweight. Look what he's doing to these big monsters. " You can't hit what you can't see. " Manager Mick Francis admitted Huni's career had been at a crossroads but that his decisions in the past 12 months had restored order. "From day one, his first fight was for an Australian title over 10 rounds: never done before and probably never again," Francis said. "He's obviously special … a generational fighter. "Not just for Australian boxing — at 26 years old, 12-0 — it's massive for any heavyweight. "There's not many that have had this opportunity at this age. "We're playing with the big boys and five weeks' notice, it's not a lot, but it's enough to get this job done and he can win it well." AAP The ABC of SPORT Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday. Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
BBC News
05-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Come on let's twist again
"For me the best thing is we uplifted a whole community, you know, of this whole city, of this whole area you could just feel it." The day after the dramatic sealing of the Championship title, the Leeds United chairman, Paraag Marathe, was revealing how he could not have been more proud of seeing the club become champions. "I wanted to win a trophy. Just like Daniel did, just like the players and just like all the staff did, that's what I wanted, and we got that goal."With the mission accomplished, Marathe explained that he felt it was the most opportune time to speak to the local media and clarify the burning question over Farke's future before he was even asked it. "I'm really excited about collaborating with Daniel, with Robbie Evans, who we promoted to managing director, and Adam Underwood, who we promoted to sporting director. "We're going to build the best squad that we can with every penny we are allowed to spend to go and compete in the Premier League... I have ended the speculation; that is correct, he is my man."Later in the interview he expressed his sorrow over the possible effects of recent media reports that Farke's position was in doubt. "I felt bad that Daniel and the coaches were twisting in the wind a little bit. I tried to do what I could privately. For me, I'm going to speak when I have something to say and when the time is right. "It's unfortunate that somebody else tried to speculate something a week or two ago because today was always the moment when I was going to speak with you all." Marathe has been good to his word of two years ago when he appointed Farke on a four-year deal. "Let me be clear, this is not a short-term thing... This isn't just 'Hey, get us through the Championship'."I don't think he had a fair deck of cards when he got back up to the Premier League - his two shots at it. That's one thing we're going to rectify and give him the deck of cards he needs to be successful once we get back up because I think he can be a very, very successful coach across Europe."So for a third summer the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises will twist again with Daniel Farke by giving him enough rope to make a ladder rather than a to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Farke's star the brightest, his stock at its highest
Rarely do the the stars align perfectly at Leeds Monday night they did just that to reveal a Farke phenomenon which could be seen inside Elland Road and heard in the skies school colours of yellow scarves, bucket hats, smiley badges and shirts adorned the grand old the noise was something else. Old school too with bellowing choruses of club anthems, welcomes to jungles and predictions of riots."No Piroe, no party" was one of the many chants during a full-on celebration in front of a raucous packed house which was always going to pump it up, with or without a goal from their top a display from the stars on show too. In-keeping with so much of the season.A galaxy away from their opponents, play-off hopefuls Bristol City, United put in a sparkling performance which illuminated every one of the 30 points which form the gap between the sides in the Championship. Oh what a party, oh what a show, Leeds United had gone to players performed magnificently as if a constellation, like they were champions already, to forever sear a special moment into the memories of those fortunate to be in its presence. As for Farke, his stock is at its highest with the supporters and his own star now burns its brightest in their to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Farke on tight turnarounds, focus and Oxford United
Championship leaders Leeds United could secure promotion back to the Premier League over the Easter weekend. Manager Daniel Farke has been speaking today, here are the main points from his pre-match media conference: Winger Dan James could be involved for Friday's trip to Oxford United following injury but will be assessed over the next 24 hours. It will be a late decision. He will probably be available for the visit of Stoke City on Monday. Midfielder Joe Rothwell will not be available for either of the fixtures this weekend. Farke admits to some difficulty caused by a long away trip on Friday night followed by a home game on Monday. He says his nomination for manager of the season is a sign of everyone at the club doing well. On keeping calm as the manager, he feels it is important to stay calm, but also have the fire at times when needed. However, he says having the fire at both ends of the candle is not helpful as a manager. On the mood in the camp after last weekend's results, he says no-one was over the moon, nothing is won yet, they can't afford to lose focus by even one or two per cent. Farke says he is delighted for Karl Darlow following some strong performances since replacing Illan Meslier. He never doubted he could rely on the Wales international. On Oxford, Farke has been impressed by their recent results, including clean sheets in wins against Sheffield United and Watford at home and away at Sheffield Wednesday. Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds Latest Leeds United news, analysis and fan views Follow Leeds United in the BBC Sport app Listen to the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast
BBC News
16-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Farke on tight turnarounds, focus and Oxford United
Championship leaders Leeds United could secure promotion back to the Premier League over the Easter Daniel Farke has been speaking today, here are the main points from his pre-match media conference:Winger Dan James could be involved for Friday's trip to Oxford United following injury but will be assessed over the next 24 hours. It will be a late decision. He will probably be available for the visit of Stoke City on Joe Rothwell will not be available for either of the fixtures this admits to some difficulty caused by a long away trip on Friday night followed by a home game on says his nomination for manager of the season is a sign of everyone at the club doing keeping calm as the manager, he feels it is important to stay calm, but also have the fire at times when needed. However, he says having the fire at both ends of the candle is not helpful as a the mood in the camp after last weekend's results, he says no-one was over the moon, nothing is won yet, they can't afford to lose focus by even one or two per says he is delighted for Karl Darlow following some strong performances since replacing Illan Meslier. He never doubted he could rely on the Wales Oxford, Farke has been impressed by their recent results, including clean sheets in wins against Sheffield United and Watford at home and away at Sheffield to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds
