Australian heavyweight Justis Huni is aiming to climb further up the world boxing rankings when he defends his WBO Global heavyweight title against South Africa’s Shaun Potgieter.

Huni, 25, has a date with Potgieter, known as “God’s Warrior”, at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on January 8.

The heavyweight showdown is on the card with Australian cruiserweight Jai Opetaia’s IBF and Ring Magazine title defence against mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara from Germany.

Huni is ranked 15th in the world by the IBF and is the WBO number five. His undefeated (11-0) record will be put to the test against the 194-centimetre giant Potgieter (10-1).

Huni has enjoyed six knockouts in his career to date, while Potgieter has seven under his belt.

Huni is in form after dispatching Leandro Rabutti of Argentina by knockout in the second round in Brisbane on Wednesday but Potgieter looms as a greater challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to continuing my climb to the top of the division. A busy fighter is a happy fighter, and this will be my second fight in a month,” Huni said.

“Shaun is a tough challenge. He’s a strong man with a good punch. I’ll need to be switched on and do what I do best. I’m looking forward to showing what I’ve been working on.”

Huni has fast hands and is a technician in the ring. He has shown on several occasions that he can go the distance in his fights but has improved his power punch and shown a recent penchant for winning his bouts by knockout.

“I’m punching with bad intentions every time. People come to see action and I’m ready to deliver.”

Potgieter has forged a reputation as an aggressive boxer with an all-action style to complement his acknowledged toughness and power.

“All I can say is I am not flying halfway around the world to come and lose,” he said. 

“God is giving me everything I need for victory. I’ll be more than ready.”

Huni’s manager Michael Francis was tipping an explosive showdown.

“This bout will be all action. Both of these heavyweights don’t like going the distance,” Francis said.

“We think fight fans are going to enjoy the clash of these big men.”

AAP