Undefeated Australian heavyweight Justis Huni is set to challenge Fabio Wardley on English soil this Saturday. Rather than engaging in a slugfest, Huni intends to rely on his boxing skills and tactical approach to overcome the undefeated Brit.
Wardley, holding a record of 18 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw (with 17 knockouts), has long desired to fight at Portman Road, the stadium of his cherished Ipswich Town Football Club. His wish is now granted as he headlines the first boxing event held at the nearly 30,000-capacity venue since World War II.
In his first bout since relinquishing the British title (Lonsdale Belt), the popular Ipswich fighter aims to establish himself on the global scene, where he is currently ranked as the World Boxing Association`s number one contender.
Originally, Wardley was slated to face the outspoken Jarrell Miller. However, Miller`s injury opened the door for Huni (12 wins, 0 losses, 7 KOs) to step in on relatively short notice. The Australian now has the chance to disrupt Wardley`s celebratory homecoming and position himself as a credible contender in the heavyweight division.
Huni, who accepted the fight with just five weeks` preparation time and trained at SharpStyle Boxing Gym in Blackpool, shared with Boxing News that he anticipates a loud and potentially hostile environment, which he feels he must embrace.
“I know it is going to be loud. I know there is going to be a lot of people against me, but at the end of the day it’s only going to be myself and Fabio in that ring and we are going to handle our business.”
“I feel like there is no ignoring [the fact that I’m in enemy territory],” he added. “It’s going to be loud and I know that. They’re all there to support their boy for his homecoming party.
“So, I think the thing for me is just to embrace it, soak it all up and just go out there and do my job.”
Wardley should not underestimate his opponent. Huni boasts a strong amateur pedigree, having won a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships and would have competed for Australia at the 2020 Olympics had he not suffered a hand injury.
Given this amateur background, contrasting with Wardley`s lack of amateur experience, Huni`s strategy appears clear. He has confirmed his intention to avoid being drawn into a slugging match with the powerful British fighter.
Huni explained his rationale:
“That is where he dominates, [in a tear-up],” said Huni. “It’s in those dog fights where it is 50/50 and someone else is standing there trying to give it back to him. So, 100% I would like to just use my boxing ability and just outbox this guy.
“There is not really any need for me to stand [and trade with him] and take the risk of getting caught by one of his big punches.
“I will definitely be looking at boxing smart and staying long.”
