'Lot of risk': The 'insane' theory behind Justis Huni's preparation
A prominent boxing commentator has suggested Justis Huni's preparation for his bout with Paul Gallen has focused more on preparing his Olympic campaign.
Huni will turn his attention to a campaign at the Tokyo Olympics in July after Wednesday night's clash with former NRL star Gallen, with the heavyweight fighter's focus on the Games frequently drawing the ire of the ex-Cronulla legend.
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Gallen has pledged to 'ruin your dream' in response to Huni's Olympic aspirations.
In the lead up to the fight, Main Event commentator Ben Damon suggested Huni's preparation was more tailored to someone vying for a gold medal, rather than someone with the goal of scoring a knockout.
Damon told Sky Sports Radio that it was 'insane' Huni had scheduled a match (which he won) against Christian Tsoye just three weeks prior to the bout against Gallen.
He also speculated Huni would lack the power to stop Gallen.
“There’s a theory around the power that maybe when he’s finished his Olympics campaign and he comes back as a full time professional and doesn’t have to worry about the point scoring system used by the Olympics any more," Damon said.
"Maybe he starts to do what’s called sitting down on his punches a little bit more, and throw with a little bit more power and use his hips and his body to get the absolute maximum power into his shots and then he might become that bigger puncher."
“There’s a lot of risk. The fact he had a fight three weeks ago is insane.
“And now he’s looking at doing this and then getting on a flight to Tokyo.”
Paul Gallen determined to ruin Justis Huni's Olympic dream
The rugby league great is promising the undefeated Australian champion a brutal beat-down at Sydney's Darling Harbour and has vowed to "ruin" Huni's Olympic dream.
In an explosive press conference on Monday, Gallen - who once spoke in glowing terms about Huni's Olympic dream - delivered a scathing smackdown on his rival.
Furious that Huni's camp sees him as offering little more than a pay packet and publicity before heading to Tokyo next month, Gallen let rip in a bitter tirade.
"They're overlooking me, without a doubt. I've read all their comments," Gallen said in an explosive press conference on Monday.
"Their No.1 concern is the Olympics. That's their No.1 concern. Well, I'm here to tell all of them - Justis you're included - I'm here to do everything I can to make sure that you don't go to the Olympics.
"Whether it's break your jaw, break your face, break your arm, I don't care what it is. I'm going to bring everything I can to break something in you so that you don't go to the Olympics.
"That dream since you've been seven years old is going to be f****d.
"I don't care if it's your arm. You're lucky there'll be a referee in there."
Huni laughed off the threat, shrugging: "Bring it, bring it. Bring it on."
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