‘Quite bizarre’: Heavyweight duo’s surprise move leaves boxing world baffled - LIVE

There was some pre-fight drama at the Nissan Arena as both Joe Goodall and Justis Huni were strangely late to arrive at the venue.

Speaking on the broadcast, Main Event commentator Ben Damon said that Goodall refused to exit the car he had arrived in as members of his crew were reportedly denied entry into the venue.

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Watch Heavyweights Justis Huni vs Joseph Goodall battle for the WBO Oriental and IBF Pan-Pacific Regional titles. Wednesday 15 June from 7PM AEST LIVE with Main Event on Kayo Sports & Foxtel. ORDER NOW >

“A little bit of drama in the building because Joe Goodall is here, but he’s sitting in a car at the moment out the front refusing to head in, because members of his party have not been allowed access by the promoters of this event,” Damon said.

Ten minutes later, Goodall emerged from a white Range Rover as all looked to have been resolved, but it didn’t stop Damon and Jeff Fenech from noting how strange it was for the two fighters to arrive so late.

“I don't know what has transpired and I don’t know what the negotiations have been able to do, but it does look like he’s happy to head in now and take his place,” Damon said.

“He’s pretty relaxed, but he’s coming in pretty late,” Fenech said.

“This is quite bizarre that these two heavyweights have left their run so late,” Damon added.

“Goodall’s here, Huni is TBA.”

Huni did eventually arrive in the venue, which is just down the road from where he lives.

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ABSURD JOURNEY OF ‘PHYSICAL AND MENTAL MARSHMALLOW’

Justis Huni’s promoter Dean Lonergan has detailed the incredible transformation that Joe Goodall has undergone, describing him as a “block of iron.”

Goodall moved to Las Vegas to train under Kevin Barry and take his game to the next level after struggling to find his groove in Australia.

It was a major plunge to take, but it could pay off if Goodall defeats Justis Huni.

Such is the power that Goodall posseses, Lonergan conceded the butterflies are flying around in his stomach.

“I’m very, very nervous about tonight,” Lonergan said on the broadcast.

“Joe Goodall’s looking like a beast, he’s cut.

“He went away 12 months ago a physical and mental marshmallow.

“He’s come back and he’s like a block of iron.

“I know he’s going to have the Kevin Barry will to win smashed into his DNA.

“I promise you, this is going to be one hell of a hard fight for Justis. He’s going to have to use every skill that he’s got.”

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WHY TYSON FURY WILL TUNE IN TO AUSSIE HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGFEST

Former heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker believes Las Vegas based Australian Joe Goodall has a “real chance” against Justis Huni and says the boxing world, including Tyson Fury, is watching.

Parker said the boxing world, including the world’s biggest boxing name Fury, was taking notice.

“You have the likes of Tyson Fury, I know he’s retired, but he knows Justis and Joe because he lives in Vegas and trains at his gym,” Parker said.

Parker said it was regular for fellow heavyweights to “keep an eye” on the next generation of boxers because you’ve got to “see who is coming up”.

Parker added that regardless of the result, “it’s not the end of the road for the loser” and said that Huni, whose power is questioned on a daily basis, “had a slot of time to develop power”.

“He’ll have power, it’s just about making the right show at the right time,” Parker said.

“It’s about landing a clean shot.”

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READ MORE ON PARKER’S VIEW OF THE FIGHT

ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know

Huni v Goodall: Full Press Conference | 11:04

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‘F***ING DANGEROUS’: HUNI CAMP FRONTS REF OVER ‘DIRTY TRICKS’ FEAR

Justis Huni’s camp is on high alert for an ambush ahead of his make-or-break Australian heavyweight fight with Joe Goodall on Wednesday night in Brisbane.

The golden boy of Australian boxing makes his return to the ring tonight against undefeated star Goodall (8-0-1, 7KO) at Nissan Arena after a 12 month absence and are leaving nothing to chance.

Huni’s promoter, Dean Lonergan, addressed officials before noon in Brisbane and put them on high alert about the “dirty tricks” Goodall is about to attempt.

“I want our guy to go into the dressing room and watch the wraps put on and I want the gloves checked as well because Barry is a specialist at manipulating the gloves.”

READ MORE ABOUT GLOVE DRAMA

HEARN: THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT GOODALL

Big-time promoter Eddie Hearn is among those who genuinely believe an upset could be on the cards.

“There’s something about Goodall, I saw him on the scales, he’s a strong, rugged heavyweight. I think this is the chance of a lifetime,” Hearn told Fox Sports News.

“This fight is going to tell us what we need to know about Huni. How good is he? How tough is he? When it gets going, and Goodall looks very tough, when it gets going if Goodall can take him into deep waters let’s find out what Huni’s about.

“I’d just like to say, I hope I haven’t upset Justis Huni, I’ve just got a sneaky feeling for Goodall in this fight.”

Hearn gives his tip for Huni v Goodall | 01:04

WHEN DOES IT START & HOW TO WATCH

The boxing action begins at 6pm AEST on Wednesday with live coverage on Fox Sports channel 505 and Kayo. The main card, available via Main Event, is scheduled to commence at 7pm with Huni v Goodall expected to start after 10pm.

MAIN CARD

From 7pm AEST

Justis Huni v Joseph Goodall - 10 rounds for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific, vacant WBO Oriental and WBC Australasian heavyweight titles

Ernesto Espana def by Andrei Mikhailovich via TKO in Round 3 IBF Pan Pacific and WBO Global middleweight titles

Shamal Ram Anuj def by Luke Boyd via TKO in Round 4 - 10 rounds for the WBA Oceania super bantamweight title

Francis Waitai def by Jack Gipp via SD (58-56 x 2, 57-57) - six rounds at super middleweight

Thomas Wilkins def by Hone Huni via TKO in Round 1 - four rounds at super middleweight

Undercard

From 6pm AEST

Marvin Feterika def by Toese Vousiutu via referee stoppage in Round 1 - four rounds at heavyweight

Louis Marsters def by Austin Aokuso via UD (40-36 x 3) - four rounds at cruiserweight

Bryce McLachlan def by Dan Hill - four rounds at catchweight

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