FABIO Wardley has warned Justis Huni to do his homework ahead of their WBA interim heavyweight title bout on June 7.
The Ipswich-born boxer makes his long-awaited return to his hometown at Portman Road, home of his beloved Ipswich Town FC. Wardley, 18-0-1 (17 KOs), faces a new challenge after brash American Jarrell Miller withdrew from their scheduled fight due to a shoulder injury. Wardley and his promoter, Frank Warren, swiftly secured Australia’s Justis Huni, the current WBO number-one contender, as a formidable replacement.
On May 6, days after the fight was announced, Huni, 12-0 (7 KOs), took to Instagram to downplay Wardley’s skills, posting, “I don’t think he’s got anything that exciting in his bag. I’ve got it all over him.”
At today’s press conference, host Dev Sahni raised Huni’s comment, prompting the Australian to outline his perceived advantages over Wardley.
“The only thing he has over me is power, but every other box is ticked. Footwork, speed, putting my punches together – I believe I tick all the boxes.”
Wardley, however, boasts an impressive knockout record, with 17 of his 19 fights ending inside the distance, giving him a 94% KO percentage – one of the highest among heavyweight contenders. The unbeaten 30-year-old insists he’s no one-trick pony.
“I understand he’s taking this fight on short notice, but I’d urge him to do a bit more homework,” Wardley said. “If you think all I’ve got is power, it’s going to be a rough night for you on June 7. Even if that’s the case, look at Deontay Wilder – he did pretty well with mostly power. I can get there if I need to.
“There’s more in my bag than just power. He’s a great fighter with plenty of ability, and there are areas I’ll need to target, but the outcome will be the same: Fabio Wardley’s hand raised, with his opponent out on the floor.”
