Justis Huni is hoping to run his fight back with Fabio Wardley.
The Australian heavyweight was left “gutted” when, having controlled the contest at Portman Road in Ipswich, he was caught by a tremendous right hand in round 10 that finished the fight.
“I’m absolutely gutted,” said Huni. “I felt like I was doing everything right, just boxing smart and sticking to the plan. I got caught — it happens in this sport. Congratulations to Fabio. He’s a warrior and he found the shot he needed. But this isn’t the end for me — not even close. I would absolutely love a rematch. I stepped up at short notice.”
Huni is promoted by Tasman Fighters, and Mick Francis, Tasman’s co-founder, said: “We are incredibly proud of Justis. He took this fight on short notice, walked into a football stadium full of Wardley fans, and put on a boxing clinic for nine rounds. This is only the beginning of his journey. He showed on Saturday night he belongs with the best in the world.”
Francis was also left questioning the referee, John Latham, and his decision to stop the fight and signalling Wardley moving onto 19-0-1 (18 KOs) with Huni losing for the first time in his 13th bout.
“With total respect to the referee, we were surprised Justis wasn’t given the full 10 count,” he said. “I feel like he should be given every right to try and continue. But the safety of the fighter comes first, and we respect the decision.”
Francis said Tasman fighters remain “fully committed” to Huni, who had stepped in for Jarrell Miller, Wardley’s original opponent.