Frazer Clarke and Justis Huni will have new men in their corners when they square off in what could be a career-defining fight Saturday at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The two heavyweight are both heading into the contest with a defeat hanging over their name. Clarke lost a close split decision to Jeamie Tshikeva in November for the British title – a fight many expected Clarke to win. The former Olympic bronze medalist has now fought three times for the Lonsdale strap, each time coming up short. Now aged 34, Clarke isn’t getting any younger, and has made a change to his training team ahead of Saturday’s fight. Clarke has hired former Ring Trainer of the Year Joe Gallagher as his new coach, and claims he is reaping the rewards from Gallagher’s wisdom.
“That night [against TKV], I got beat on a split decision,” Clarke said. “The way it’s talked about, it’s like I got beat pillar to post. It was a close fight, a good fight; Jeamie [TKV] came out on top. I had to do some changing, I had to look at myself in the mirror. I did that, I relocated to Manchester to train with Joe Gallagher, and from that, second things started to change. It’s alright sitting here and talking about it – the proof is in the pudding. So Saturday night I’m going to prove everyone here wrong.”
“For Frazer Clarke, this is massive,” said Clarke’s promoter, Ben Shalom. “There’s so many fighters who have a bad night at the office and look for a way out. He’s gone back to the drawing board, teamed up with Joe Gallagher, and this opportunity came. The first person I called was Joe, I said, ‘Look, how is Frazer? Is he back in the gym?’ He said, ‘Ben, he’s more fired up than ever. He’s a quality, quality fighter, as we know. If he gets his head right, this is the perfect fight.’ This is the fight Frazer needs to be in, and Justis Huni is a quality fighter. They’re both quality fighters, they’ve both had incredible amateur careers, but what a way for Frazer to come back in a massive way. It could steal the show. I think this will be the fight of the night.”
Australia’s Huni is fighting back in the UK following defeat to Fabio Wardley in Ipswich, England, in June. Huni was cruising to victory against the now-WBO heavyweight titleholder, but he switched off momentarily in Round 10 and was made to pay for it. Huni may have been counted out that evening, but he says it was still a win in his eyes.
“My last fight over here kind of introduced me to this side of the world,” Huni, 27, said. “Now I’m ready to come back and do it again. I’m excited, I’m fit, I’m ready to go and can’t wait for Saturday night. I took nothing but positive things away from that fight [with Wardley]. Even though I lost, it was a win-win for me. Getting the opportunity to come to this side of the world and showcase what I’ve got to offer. Like I said, I’m back and ready to put on a show.”
Huni will also have a new coach in his corner – but for very different reasons. Huni, who tragically lost his longtime trainer Keri Fiu to heart attack in November, will be debuting under Josh Arnold.
“This fight is dedicated to [Fiu]. He was not only a trainer to me but more a father figure,” Huni said. “So I’ll be doing this one for him. Doing it for myself, my family and for him. It’s going to be a big moment and one to remember.”
Huni’s promoter, Mick Francis, said that although the switch came in tragic circumstances, it has been a rewarding one for the heavyweight.
“I’ve never seen Justis look so fit – he looks incredible,” Francis said. “He’s got a new coach. The coach has done an amazing job as well. I was watching him on the pads yesterday, he’s never hit so hard. People always say about Justis that he lacks a bit of power, but come Saturday that’s going to change.”
Tom Ivers is a lifelong fight fan and former amateur boxer who has a master’s degree in sports journalism. Tom joined BoxingScene in 2024 and is now a key part of the UK and social media teams.
