Australian heavyweight star Justis Huni has withdrawn from his fight against New Zealand’s Kiki Toa Leutele on December 6 following the death of his trainer, Keri Fiu.
Fiu, 48, collapsed after stepping off his training bike during a routine conditioning session earlier this month.
Huni and his strength and conditioning coach succeeded in reviving him, but Fiu died later after being put into an induced coma and entering intensive care.
‘Ring of Fire’: Opetaia vs Cinkara for the cruiserweight world titles on December 6 is available to order now on Stan Pay-Per-View
Justis Huni at Ipswich Town Hall. Getty
“I can’t find the words to describe how much this hurts, and it doesn’t feel real,” Huni said in a social media post.
“I love you, Kez, and everything I do from here will always be for you. Until we meet again, big buddy.”
Huni had been slated to head the undercard of Jai Opetaia vs Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
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Jai Opetaia and Keri Fiu. Instagram
Fiu’s life and contribution to boxing will be honoured in a 10-minute memorial tribute, featuring Samoan dancers and a minute of clapping, on the fight night.
Opetaia had also worked extensively with Fiu and will fight to make him proud against Cinkara, a 40-year-old German giant who also boasts an unbeaten record.
“Cinkara is a tough opponent in my mandatory, however, he stands in my way on the road to being undisputed world cruiserweight champion,” Opetaia said.
The Ring of Fire fight card. Stan
“It’s great to end the year up at home on the Gold Coast, and I look forward to putting on a spectacular event again with Tasman Fighters on Stan Pay-Per-View.
“We will go to war on December 6.”