A Sudden Tragedy in the Gym
The boxing community is in mourning after the sudden death of Keri Fui, the head trainer for heavyweight boxer Justis Huni. Fui tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack during a training session with the 26-year-old fighter last week.
Fui collapsed in the gym and received immediate medical assistance from Huni himself, alongside the boxer's strength and conditioning trainer. Despite their efforts, Fui was placed in a coma from which he never recovered.
A Heartfelt Tribute from His Fighter
Taking to social media, a devastated Justis Huni expressed his profound grief. "I can't find the words to describe how much this hurts and it doesn't feel real," Huni wrote. "I love you, Kez, and everything I do from here will always be for you. Until we meet again, big buddy."
The tragedy comes just as Fui had been promoted to the role of Huni's head trainer, a key position ahead of the boxer's crucial December 6 rematch with Kiki Leutele on the Gold Coast.
Remembered as Family
Fui was far more than just a coach to those in the Tasman Fighters stable. Fran Bradford, the stable's logistics chief, described him as family. "Keri had a way of bringing everyone together, lifting spirits and making every moment brighter," Bradford said.
She highlighted his unwavering loyalty and infectious energy, stating, "He was the first to show up when we needed help, always ready to drop everything for those he cared about. His advice was wise, his energy contagious, and his love for boxing, his family and for the people around him was unmatched."
Fui was a long-time fixture in the operations of both Huni and world champion cruiserweight Jai Opetaia, having travelled the world with the fighters through their professional journeys.
The Road Ahead for Huni and Opetaia
The December 6 fight card on the Gold Coast will now be charged with emotion. Jai Opetaia is scheduled to headline the event, defending his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titles against Huseyin Cinkara.
For Justis Huni, the rematch with Leutele represents a critical step in his career comeback. Huni is recovering from his first professional loss to Fabio Wardley in England, a fight he took on short notice while carrying an elbow injury.
Despite the defeat, Huni's stock has risen after he dominated much of the bout against Wardley, who has since beaten Joseph Parker. Huni split with his previous trainer, Mark Wilson, following the Wardley fight, making Fui's recent promotion all the more significant.
