FABIO Wardley pulled a rabbit out the hat in truly awe-inspiring fashion, dispatching Justis Huni with a stunning tenth-round finish earlier this evening.
The pair squared off at Portman Road – the home of Ipswich Town Football Club – with Huni entering a cauldron of boos after taking the fight on short notice.
But despite having just five weeks to prepare for his career-toughest test, the Australian nonetheless produced a scintillating performance to build a comfortable lead.
Wardley, however, ultimately sealed his come-from-behind victory with a bone-shuddering right hand, explosive enough to send ripples across his newly-relegated club’s pitch.
Up to that point, Huni had utilised his fluid movement to outland the home fighter through large spells of their clash for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight title.
Other than a spiteful right hand in the opening round – which buckled his legs – the 26-year-old had encountered very few hurdles prior to his stoppage defeat.
His feet, more than anything, represented a frustrating obstacle in the eyes of Wardley who, while remaining active with his output, struggled to disrupt the rhythm of his opponent.
As their fight progressed, things only seemed to get bleaker for the Ipswich man as, along with his educated footwork, Huni equally showed few signs of fatigue down the stretch.
And yet, just as a selection of fans were getting ready to sing the praises of Huni, Wardley – a former white-collar fighter – quite simply refused to allow that to happen.
Just as his opponent was coming into range, adopting a typically low guard, the devastating knockout artist launched one of his signature right hands upstairs.
As soon as the shot connected, Huni’s dreams of a victory – which was within touching distance just a matter of moments before – came crashing down, along with his compact frame.
The visitor, to his credit, even attempted to beat referee John Latham’s count, only for the fight to be waved off shortly after he climbed back to his feet.
