IPSWICH, England – Justis Huni may have to go into the trenches against Fabio Wardley at Portman Road on Saturday.
Wardley so often is dragged into brutal encounters – particularly his first contest against Frazer Clarke in 2024 – and it is expected that the same could happen again against Australia’s Huni. Wardley couldn’t match Clarke for experience in the unpaid ranks but he was able to drag him into a war in what was judged a draw. The 30 year old then blitzed through Clarke in one round in their rematch seven months later.
Huni also brings a standout amateur career to the table that includes a world championships bronze medal. He accepted Saturday’s fight on just four weeks’ notice after Wardley’s original opponent Jarrell Miller withdrew with a shoulder injury, but is confident heading into the contest.
“Fabio, credit where credit is due – he's done his hard yards,” Huni told BoxingScene. “He's beat all the people he's needed to beat to get himself to this position. I don't have an easy fight in front of me, but I have a fighter in front of me that I'm confident in beating. I'm just confident in backing myself, and my skills, and ability to overcome this challenge. It should be good.”
Many observers were surprised to see Huni get the offer to fight England’s Wardley, because his quick hands and sharpened skills differed from what the brash American Miller brought to the table. Huni, who has traveled from Australia for the contest, was also surprised to be considered.
“Well, I wasn't expecting a call-up for a fight with Fabi,” the 26 year old said. “I was just sitting at home and then I got the call. It was late at night too because they were over here [in the UK]. I was about to go to sleep. ‘Can we talk to you about a big fight?’ I thought about it for a little bit and then I weighed up the pros and cons, and it's just right to take this fight. It's going to open up so many doors and bigger and better fights going forward. It's life-changing for me, so I had to take it on.
“I was still training at the time, just not preparing for a fight. The intensity wasn't preparing for a fight. As soon as we got the call and it was confirmed, just head down and get to work. Take myself to those dark places and just imagine and envision being in that ring in those deep, dark places. When it gets tough, when something is not going right, that's where I love to live. That's how it's been, and that's how it will continue to be up until the fight.”