FABIO WARDLEY secured a truly SENSATIONAL KO win in front of a packed Portman Road!
Fighting in front of his home fans in Ipswich, Wardley was way down on the judges’ scorecards before an absolutely PERFECT punch floored Justis Huni.
The Australian was putting on the performance of his career as they meet at the home of Ipswich Town for the vacant interim WBA title.
But in the 10th round, Wardley stole a victory with a sensational one-punch knockout to secure an incredible win.
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What next for Wardley?
The Ipswich star is now the mandatory for the WBA belt, which is held by Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian fights Daniel Dubois in their unification rematch next, of course, and after that anything could happen.
It’s not clear if Usyk will even continue fighting after that, win or lose.
The WBO mandatory – Joseph Parker – will get any first crack at Usyk, or Dubois.
But Wardley is now right in line.
We wouldn’t expect any rushed announcements, but Wardley’s crack would appear to be approaching at speed.
Only one that matters
CompuBox stats show that Justis Huni threw and landed almost double the amount of power punches to Fabio Wardley.
The home fighter worked behind the jab, throwing more of those.
Most had Huni ahead on rounds, but despite all that good work, it came down to one stunning punch from Wardley to decide this fight.
‘I’m grateful’
Justis Huni was extremely humble in defeat and, after being a late call up for the fight, the opportunity.
The Australian, who had a five-week camp after Jarrell Miller withdrew, said: ” “That’s my curse. I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off, it happened tonight.
“I’m grateful to Fabio and his team and to Ipswich to be able to perform in front of you.
“Get behind him, he’s going to do great things.
“He’s just an awesome fighter. He never gave up and he got the win, he deserves it.
“Thank you Ipswich for the opportunity to perform here, I’m grateful.”
No Justis
Justis Huni won’t believe what hit him.
He was looking excellent in and totally in control in what was a career-best performance.
The Australian looked to have marked himself as a contender at the very top of the division.
But one mistake cost him dearly and he was unable to get out from a peach of a punch that landed flush on his nose.
It’s not clear where he goes from here, but we would expect the Matchroom fighter to get plenty of opportunities for big fights in the near future.
More from Warren
During his in-ring interview, the Hall of Fame promoter also said: “Eat your heart out Deontay Wilder, that was a Deontay Wilder moment.
“He’s got a big heart, he’s a powerful man and again, he stopped another one.
“I’ve got to take my hat off to Justis Huni, they both boxed very well.
“Ipswich, you did him proud and he did Ipswich proud too.
“This is such a fabulous place to put a fight on.
“I’m sorry about the rain, but everyone stayed and both men put on a great fight.”
‘He’s walked into one’
Former world champion Carl Frampton told DAZN: “I didn’t see it coming,
“Fair play to Fabio for pulling that out the bag.
“It adds to the mystique around him and his story. Coming from zero amateur background, white collar, to finish like that.
“He got completely outboxed but he still had the dynamite to finish it off.
“I thought it was so easy for Huni, I thought Wardley was feeling sorry for himself.
“But when you carry that power you have a chance.
“It was getting easier and easier and he’s made a mistake and walked into one.”
‘Got the job done’
Wardley, battered and bruised inside the ring, said: “I am so thankful to everyone here, you got me through that, I could not have done it without you.
“I have never claimed to be Usyk, with all the skills, but I know how to bite down on the gumshield and find a way to win.
“I should have performed better but I pulled something special out of the bag.
“He pulled out so many tricks and I didn’t expect him to bank so many rounds.
“But I screwed my head back on and got the job done.”
What a moment
This is the moment Fabio Wardley detonated an absolutely PERFECT KO punch to beat Justis Huni:
Title shot next?
Promoter Frank Warren was asked if Wardley could face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois next.
Warren said: “That fight will settle the heavyweight division.
“Let’s let the dust settle after that.
“The first mandatory is the WBO, then it’s down the line – but [Wardley’s] there.
“He did that through sheer grit, sheer heart.”
What a win!
Wow! That was absolutely sensational from Fabio Wardley!
He was down on lots of scorecards before detonating that shot, truly incredible stuff from the heavyweight.
Justis Huni did not know what had hit him.
Wardley vs Huni – round 10
Huni leapt in with a right hand, Wardley slipped and fired his own one in and that was all she wrote.
Sensational comeback from Wardley who once again find the homerun shot from seemingly nowhere.
Credit: Getty Wardley vs Huni – round 10
DOWN GOES HUNI! Big right hand and it’s all over!
I said he needed a hail mary – that’s exactly what he produced.
Right hand straight down the pipe floored Huni and turned the fight on its head remarkably.
Wardley vs Huni – round 9
Big combination from Huni – forcing Wardley to cover up.
Big right hand forces Wardley’s knees to dip – Huni is in total control here.
Wardley needs a hail mary to get him out of trouble.
Credit: Getty Wardley vs Huni – round 8
Warldey needs to try and turn things around with Huni backing him up and landing big shots.
Huni far too quick and cute for Wardley here.
Credit: Reuters Wardley vs Huni – round 7
Double right hand forces Wardley back – it’s not looking good for Ipswich’s hometown hero.
Constant pressure appears to have Wardley looking hurt and in a spot of bother.
Couple of right hands again has Wardley looking in trouble and in desperate need to turn things around.
Credit: Reuters
Wardley vs Huni – round 6
Jab from Huni snaps Wardley’s head back.
Two big right hands land on the button for Huni – he could be running away with it here.
Another right hand over the top land for Huni and Wardley is looking out of ideas half way through here.
Credit: Reuters Wardley vs Huni – round 5
Counter right lands for Huni – but Wardley responds with an uppercut-hook combo.
Left hook lands for Huni and Wardley responds with his own but he looks to be struggling with the pace a bit.
Wardley vs Huni – round 4
Right hand over the top lands for Huni but Wardley fires back – great action here.
Another right hand snaps Wardley’s head back and the Aussie is coming on strong here.
Wardley switches off for a second and Huni lets a combination go – having it his own way this round.
Wardley vs Huni – round 3
Huni backs Wardley to the ropes and lands a right over the top.
Big left hook lands for Wardley who is again back into the ropes.
Big combination shake Huni and on come Wardley landing right hands at will – the travelling Aussie is under the cosh.
Credit: Getty Wardley vs Huni – round 2
Smart left hook lands for Huni – forces Wardley to tie up.
Wardley stabs to the body and Huni fires back over the top – not much to split them.
Wardley yet to let the right hand go just yet – he looks to be trying to time and walk Huni onto one.
Wardley vs Huni – round 1
Wardley goes looking for the big right hand early.
Big left to the body from Huni followed by a right hand – good boxing from the Aussie.
Sharp jabs from Wardley but Huni is light on his feet and elusive – close opener.
Here we go!
Both have been introduced and we are now ready for the main event.
Can Huni spring a late-notice upset or will he be the latest on Wardley’s highlight reel?
Walking the walk
Both men have made their way to the ring and we’re moments away now.
Portman Road has filled out nicely despite the glum weather – with Wardley ready to put on a lightening performance.
Fab news
Fabio Wardley revealed he is facing his girlfriend’s wrath with their first baby due NEXT WEEK.
He said: “This is a slightly tense topic. My missus wasn’t the happiest with this fight date.
“She is due a week later but it is Portman Road. It’s not just any fight, it’s the one at Portman Road. She said, ‘Yeah I know but…’
“They say the chances are that the first one comes late but who knows.
“Whatever will be will be at this stage. I’m just focusing on my job at this point and that is winning the fight.
“It’s a mad 2025 and really just a mad June but I can’t wait. I’m ready for fatherhood. My best mate’s not long had his, a beautiful little girl as well.
“So being able to watch her grow and knowing that’s coming for me has made me a big softie to be honest.
“It’s going to be something special and I’m really looking forward to it.”
O’Leary vs Dillon
Judges score the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 117-112 with O’Leary awarded the unanimous decision.
Slightly closer on some scorecards but O’Leary rightly crowned the champion after 12 good rounds.
Fabio Wardley up next in the main event!
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
