Justis Huni, promoter Dean Lonergan part ways after Fox Sports deal bust
3 min read
Australian heavyweight champion Justis Huni has split with promoter Dean Lonergan in a move that will most likely see the rising star sign with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom boxing.
Huni, the No.14 ranked heavyweight for the WBO, chose to move in another direction after Lonergan’s D&L Events lost its TV rights deal with Fox Sports in December.
Sources have told Wide World of Sports, the pay TV channel trimmed down its commitments with its boxing broadcasts, choosing to do business with just one promoter, No Limit, who handles business for Tim Tszyu, Liam Wilson and Michael Zerafa.
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A clause in Huni’s contract stated that if the promoter was to lose broadcast rights with Fox Sports the deal could be voided.
« I think Justis Huni is an outstanding boxer who is on his way to become the heavyweight champion of the world, » Lonergan told Wide World of Sports.
« To be No.14 in the world after only seven professional fights is an incredible achievement.
« His father Rocki Huni, as coach, and Justis, as the world’s best up-and-coming heavyweight prospect, make an excellent team.
« I’m disappointed not to be part of the journey going forward, but I will be cheering them on to the top as they are exceptional people with exceptional talents. »
Lonergan was the driving force behind Joseph Parker, Jeff Horn and more recently Jai Opetaia’s successful world title tilt.
Lonergan, the former Kiwi league international, also landed the $1.6 million bout for Huni against Paul Gallen in June 2021, but after falling out of favour with Fox Sports, Huni needed a promoter that would help him raise his profile.
Opetaia will remain with Lonergan and will now chase TV fights in the UK.
Fox Sports is banking on Tim Tszyu and Liam Wilson flying the flag for Australia on the international stage, with Huni now expected to join Hearn’s stable, which has an exclusive agreement with subscription channel DAZN.
It’s understood No Limit has tabled a three-year offer to Huni but sources claim the Australian heavyweight is leaning towards Hearn’s Matchroom.
Matchroom’s stable includes British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua, Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, middleweight king Gennadiy Golovkin and Australian female world champion Ebanie Bridges.
After being cleared of a suspected broken hand following his November bout with Kiki Leutele, Huni is expected to return to the ring in March or April.
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