Horn says Goodall can rock rival Huni

FORMER world champion Jeff Horn has backed his onetime stablemate Joe Goodall to shock Australian boxing and leave Justis Huni’s world-title aspirations in tatters tonight.

Huni will start red-hot favourite at $1.35 to beat Goodall ($3.25) in their heavyweight title clash, but Horn – the man who famously stunned Manny Pacquiao in his Suncorp boilover in 2017 – believes ‘Big Bad Joe’ can also defy the odds at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena.

The slick Huni (5-0, 4KO) is rated one of the best-moving heavyweights in world boxing. Both men are undefeated as professionals, but Horn (pictured) says Goodall (8-0-1,

7KO) has the size and strength to stun Huni, who at 23 is six years younger.

“It’s going to be a close fight, they are both extremely good boxers, but Joe has the edge with his age and the power in his punches,” Horn said.

“That will be the difference in this fight.

“Joe will probably win because he has more power shots than Justis.

“I really rate both guys and I think Justis is a brilliant boxer, it’s going to be a great Australian heavyweight fight.

“Joe’s power advantage is the one thing that could get Justis, but it could be a boxing masterclass that Huni puts on.

“I believe it will go the distance. Justis has some great skills but the question marks on him has been his ability to stop opponents.

“And until he gets that power, which might come with a bit more age, I don’t see him stopping Joe.”

Goodall has spent the past year finetuning his craft under the tutelage of 1984 Olympic silver medallist Kevin Barry and Horn says that his stint in the United States is a major factor.

“It’s kudos to Glenn Rushton (Goodall’s former trainer) for getting him to this position and Joe will have improved more and more being with Kevin Barry overseas,” Horn said.