Australian heavyweight Justis Huni’s valiant bid for the WBA interim world title has been ended by a devastating 10th-round knockout against rising English star Fabio Wardley.
The 26-year-old from Brisbane had stepped in at short notice to replace injured American fighter Jarrell Miller.
Huni appeared in complete control for nine rounds in front of a raucous crowd at Portman Road, the home of Wardley’s beloved English football team Ipswich Town.
Boasting a glittering amateur career, including a World Championships bronze, Huni looked keen to display his credentials on the big stage.
He demonstrated his firepower from the beginning of the bout, causing Wardley problems with powerful combinations as he racked up round after round on the judges’ scorecards.
Lively footwork and impressive hand speed continued to trouble Wardley, who battled to contain his opponent going into the 10th round.
But it was at this point Wardley somehow pulled out a stunning right-hand, forcing an astonishing KO and sending his relieved fans into wild celebrations.
“That’s my curse. I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off. It happened tonight,” Hunis told DAZN.
“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.”
Wardley, whose win will boost his WBA ranking with the sanctioning body, praised the previously unbeaten Australian for his performance.
“Justis Huni is a great operator,” Wardley said after the bout.
“We’d drilled everything over and over again. I should’ve performed better in some of those rounds.
“He’s a great boxer, has some great skills and he showed me everything he had tonight.”
AAP
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