Fabio Wardley vs Justis Huni LIVE RESULT: Wardley LOSING before detonating SENSATIONAL KNOCKOUT win out of nowhere
FABIO WARDLEY secured a truly SENSATIONAL KO win in front of a packed Portman Road!
Fighting in front of his home fans in Ipswich, Wardley was way down on the judges' scorecards before an absolutely PERFECT punch floored Justis Huni.
The Australian was putting on the performance of his career as they meet at the home of Ipswich Town for the vacant interim WBA title.
But in the 10th round, Wardley stole a victory with a sensational one-punch knockout to secure an incredible win.
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Follow all the action with our live blog below...
‘Got the job done’
Wardley, battered and bruised inside the ring, said: “I am so thankful to everyone here, you got me through that, I could not have done it without you.
“I have never claimed to be Usyk, with all the skills, but I know how to bite down on the gumshield and find a way to win.
“I should have performed better but I pulled something special out of the bag.
“He pulled out so many tricks and I didn’t expect him to bank so many rounds.
“But I screwed my head back on and got the job done.”
Title shot next?
Promoter Frank Warren was asked if Wardley could face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois next.
Warren said: “That fight will settle the heavyweight division.
“Let’s let the dust settle after that.
“The first mandatory is the WBO, then it’s down the line – but [Wardley’s] there.
“He did that through sheer grit, sheer heart.”
‘I’m grateful’
Justis Huni was extremely humble in defeat and, after being a late call up for the fight, the opportunity.
The Australian, who had a five-week camp after Jarrell Miller withdrew, said: ” “That’s my curse. I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off, it happened tonight.
“I’m grateful to Fabio and his team and to Ipswich to be able to perform in front of you.
“Get behind him, he’s going to do great things.
“He’s just an awesome fighter. He never gave up and he got the win, he deserves it.
“Thank you Ipswich for the opportunity to perform here, I’m grateful.”
No Justis
Justis Huni won’t believe what hit him.
He was looking excellent in and totally in control in what was a career-best performance.
The Australian looked to have marked himself as a contender at the very top of the division.
But one mistake cost him dearly and he was unable to get out from a peach of a punch that landed flush on his nose.
It’s not clear where he goes from here, but we would expect the Matchroom fighter to get plenty of opportunities for big fights in the near future.
What next for Wardley?
The Ipswich star is now the mandatory for the WBA belt, which is held by Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian fights Daniel Dubois in their unification rematch next, of course, and after that anything could happen.
It’s not clear if Usyk will even continue fighting after that, win or lose.
The WBO mandatory – Joseph Parker – will get any first crack at Usyk, or Dubois.
But Wardley is now right in line.
We wouldn’t expect any rushed announcements, but Wardley’s crack would appear to be approaching at speed.
Alternative angle
Here's another angle of that truly brutal KO...
About last night...
'Eat your heart out'
Legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren said: "Eat your heart out Deontay Wilder, that was a Deontay Wilder moment.
"He's got a big heart, he's a powerful man and again, he stopped another one.
"I've got to take my hat off to Justis Huni, they both boxed very well. I
"pswich, you did him proud and he did Ipswich proud too.
"After that fight, it will settle the heavyweight division now to know who will be the mandatories.
"He is there. He's going to take a bit of time out now. Let the dust settle.
"He's in the position and he's done that through sheer grit, sheer hear.
"This is such a fabulous place to put a fight on.
"I'm sorry about the rain, but everyone stayed and both men put on a great fight."
'Thankful'
Wardley, battered and bruised inside the ring, said: “I am so thankful to everyone here, you got me through that, I could not have done it without you.
“I have never claimed to be Usyk, with all the skills, but I know how to bite down on the gumshield and find a way to win.
“I should have performed better but I pulled something special out of the bag.
“He pulled out so many tricks and I didn’t expect him to bank so many rounds.
“But I screwed my head back on and got the job done.”
Read more
Here's how SunSport's boxing report Wally Downes Jr saw the fight:
What next for Wardley?
The Ipswich star is now the mandatory for the WBA belt, which is held by Oleksandr Usyk.
The Ukrainian fights Daniel Dubois in their unification rematch next, of course, and after that anything could happen.
It's not clear if Usyk will even continue fighting after that, win or lose.
The WBO mandatory - Joseph Parker - will get any first crack at Usyk, or Dubois.
But Wardley is now right in line.
We wouldn't expect any rushed announcements, but Wardley's crack would appear to be approaching at speed.
Only one that matters
CompuBox stats show that Justis Huni threw and landed almost double the amount of power punches to Fabio Wardley.
The home fighter worked behind the jab, throwing more of those.
Most had Huni ahead on rounds, but despite all that good work, it came down to one stunning punch from Wardley to decide this fight.
'I'm grateful'
Justis Huni was extremely humble in defeat and, after being a late call up for the fight, the opportunity.
The Australian, who had a five-week camp after Jarrell Miller withdrew, said: " "That's my curse. I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off, it happened tonight.
"I'm grateful to Fabio and his team and to Ipswich to be able to perform in front of you.
"Get behind him, he's going to do great things.
"He's just an awesome fighter. He never gave up and he got the win, he deserves it.
"Thank you Ipswich for the opportunity to perform here, I'm grateful."
No Justis
Justis Huni won't believe what hit him.
He was looking excellent in and totally in control in what was a career-best performance.
The Australian looked to have marked himself as a contender at the very top of the division.
But one mistake cost him dearly and he was unable to get out from a peach of a punch that landed flush on his nose.
It's not clear where he goes from here, but we would expect the Matchroom fighter to get plenty of opportunities for big fights in the near future.
More from Warren
During his in-ring interview, the Hall of Fame promoter also said: "Eat your heart out Deontay Wilder, that was a Deontay Wilder moment.
"He's got a big heart, he's a powerful man and again, he stopped another one.
"I've got to take my hat off to Justis Huni, they both boxed very well.
"Ipswich, you did him proud and he did Ipswich proud too.
"This is such a fabulous place to put a fight on.
"I'm sorry about the rain, but everyone stayed and both men put on a great fight."
'He's walked into one'
Former world champion Carl Frampton told DAZN: "I didn't see it coming,
"Fair play to Fabio for pulling that out the bag.
"It adds to the mystique around him and his story. Coming from zero amateur background, white collar, to finish like that.
"He got completely outboxed but he still had the dynamite to finish it off.
"I thought it was so easy for Huni, I thought Wardley was feeling sorry for himself.
"But when you carry that power you have a chance.
"It was getting easier and easier and he's made a mistake and walked into one."
'Got the job done'
Wardley, battered and bruised inside the ring, said: "I am so thankful to everyone here, you got me through that, I could not have done it without you.
"I have never claimed to be Usyk, with all the skills, but I know how to bite down on the gumshield and find a way to win.
"I should have performed better but I pulled something special out of the bag.
"He pulled out so many tricks and I didn't expect him to bank so many rounds.
"But I screwed my head back on and got the job done."
What a moment
This is the moment Fabio Wardley detonated an absolutely PERFECT KO punch to beat Justis Huni:
Title shot next?
Promoter Frank Warren was asked if Wardley could face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois next.
Warren said: "That fight will settle the heavyweight division.
"Let's let the dust settle after that.
"The first mandatory is the WBO, then it's down the line - but [Wardley's] there.
"He did that through sheer grit, sheer heart."
What a win!
Wow! That was absolutely sensational from Fabio Wardley!
He was down on lots of scorecards before detonating that shot, truly incredible stuff from the heavyweight.
Justis Huni did not know what had hit him.
Wardley vs Huni – round 10
Huni leapt in with a right hand, Wardley slipped and fired his own one in and that was all she wrote.
Sensational comeback from Wardley who once again find the homerun shot from seemingly nowhere.
Credit: Getty
Wardley vs Huni – round 10
DOWN GOES HUNI! Big right hand and it's all over!
I said he needed a hail mary - that's exactly what he produced.
Right hand straight down the pipe floored Huni and turned the fight on its head remarkably.
Wardley vs Huni – round 9
Big combination from Huni - forcing Wardley to cover up.
Big right hand forces Wardley's knees to dip - Huni is in total control here.
Wardley needs a hail mary to get him out of trouble.
Credit: Getty Wardley vs Huni – round 8
Warldey needs to try and turn things around with Huni backing him up and landing big shots.
Huni far too quick and cute for Wardley here.
Credit: Reuters Wardley vs Huni – round 7
Double right hand forces Wardley back - it's not looking good for Ipswich's hometown hero.
Constant pressure appears to have Wardley looking hurt and in a spot of bother.
Couple of right hands again has Wardley looking in trouble and in desperate need to turn things around.
Credit: Reuters