There’s an intriguing heavyweight showdown in the unlikely setting of Portman Road – home of Ipswich Town – on Saturday night when Fabio Wardley boxes WBO world No.1 contender Justis Huni.
Wardley is 18-0-1 (17) and as game as they come. In March last year he was involved in an absolute masterpiece of violence with Frazer Clarke, with the fight ending in a draw at the O2 after 12 unforgettable rounds. Just over six months later, he stopped Clarke inside a round in Riyadh so he will be full of confidence ahead of this.
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Huni 12-0 (7) took this fight on six weeks’ notice, which is not ideal for a vacant WBA Interim title, after Jarrell Miller withdrew from the original card.
The Aussie struck gold at the Youth World Championships in 2016, and claimed a bronze at the 2019 IBA World Boxing Championships at super-heavyweight. He’s not put a foot wrong as a pro so far and was recently seen outpointing heavyweight gatekeeper Kevin Lerena by unanimous decision in Saudi.
Big Fight Analysis
There was little to separate Wardley and Huni on the scales on Friday, with both looking focused in the final staredowns. Wardley weighed in at 243lbs – the same number he checked in at for his memorable first tear-up with Clarke, while Huni came in at 248lbs, which is his heaviest yet.
This looks a contest pitting professional grit against amateur grade. We can see why Wardley is favourite, fighting on home soil in a fight which DAZN will stream live, but Huni is no joke. He’s a sharp boxer who won’t be intimidated fighting away from home.
His lack of pop – and ability to keep Wardley honest early on – could be a problem but the difference in hand speed could surprise a few observers this weekend and 4/1 odds available about the Aussie to win by decision or technical decision screams value.
Wardley vs Huni Prediction
Huni to win by Decision or Technical Decision at 4/1
So what’s at stake?
The stakes could not be higher – like we said the WBA interim world heavyweight title is at stake. The winner moves into the position as mandatory challenger for the title currently held by the great Oleksandr Usyk.
Whoever wins, is next in line to face whoever wins that Usyk vs Daniel Dubois unification blockbuster at Wembley Stadium on July 19.
Ring walks and TV channel
Ring walks for Wardley vs Huni are expected at around 10pm local time (11pm CET). That is 5pm Eastern Standard Time in the US or 2pm Pacific Standard Time on the West Coast. The bout will be streamed live globally by DAZN – it is not a PPV show so no extra cost to existing subscribers.
