They're set on making history but Justis Huni's promoter admits there will be a "complete redraw" if the Olympic Games medal chance falls at his first professional hurdle on Thursday.
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A bronze at last year's world championships is evidence of Huni's class and it's because of that he assumed top billing over reigning national champion Faiga Opelu (13-1) at Wednesday's weigh-in.
It is believed to be the first time a fighter has challenged for the Australian heavyweight crown in their first professional bout.
The 21-year-old holds legitimate medal hopes should next year's Tokyo Games go ahead and makes no apologies for setting lofty professional goals once that's done.
"I want to have all the world title straps and unify the belts," the Brisbane product said.
"Leave a name behind, leave a mark in the heavyweight division ... turning pro, it was all about history, history is what we want to do."
Huni is taking advantage of a 2016 rule change that allows fighters with a limited number of professional bouts to compete at the Olympics.
He still considers a Tokyo charge on the cards despite the uncertainty created by COVID-19 and plans to fight on several occasions before the rescheduled July Games.
Promoter Dean Lonergan labelled him the most exciting talent to come out of a stable that includes former world champion and Queensland favourite Jeff Horn.
"We need Justis to come out and make a big statement. I'd like to see him top five in the world by Christmas next year - we're on a massively accelerated path," he said.
"But it starts here tomorrow night and if Justis can't do the business it's a complete redraw.
"We need it (a big victory) to get him on the right path."
The pair's title fight isn't even the main event, with the rematch between world-ranked cruiserweight Jai Opetaia and Ben Kelleher taking centre stage at the impressive Fortitude Music Hall.
The winner of that bout will claim the IBF Intercontinental cruiserweight belt and move a step closer to a world title fight.
Sydney-born Opetai is unbeaten in 19 professional bouts, prevailing in their 2018 encounter when Kelleher broke his hand in the third round.
Australian Associated Press
