‘Shattered’ Huni reveals Olympic heartbreak
THE Olympic dream of Justis Huni appears to be over.
It was announced that the reigning Australian heavyweight champion will not be competing in Tokyo next month, after sustaining a hand injury during Huni’s tenth-round stoppage of Paul Gallen last Wednesday.
Huni (5-0, 4 KOs) confirmed the decision on his social media accounts.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that my dream of representing Australia at the Olympics this year has been shattered,” he said.
“Both my hands had been injured during a sparring session leading up to the (Christian) Tsoye fight.
“I had to have injections into my thumb knowing that surgery would be required after the Olympics to fix it properly.
“In the Gallen fight however, I aggravated both hands in the first round and my team sent me straight for an MRI after the fight which confirmed our worst fears, that I require an operation ASAP on both hands.”
“I would like to thank everyone for their support and understanding with this as I am truly guttered and I know you will be too,” he concluded.
“But know that I will be back bigger and stronger. Take care and make sure you cheer on the rest of the Australian Olympic boxing team.”
Australia will be represented in the men’s tournament by Paulo Aokuso, Harry Garside and Alex Winwood.
Meanwhile, Skye Nicolson and Caitlin Parker will attempt to capture an elusive women’s gold medal.
Photo: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
