The boxing world is readying itself for a significant showdown as Fabio Wardley prepares to take on Justis Huni for the interim WBA heavyweight title. Scheduled for Saturday, 7 June, at Portman Road—the home ground of Wardley's cherished Ipswich Town FC—this fight promises to be a gripping spectacle for boxing aficionados worldwide.
Originally, Wardley was poised to face the controversial Jarrell Miller, but an injury prompted Miller's withdrawal, paving the way for Australia's Justis Huni to step into the ring. This bout presents another opportunity for both fighters to bolster their status within the heavyweight division. With Wardley at 18-0-1, including a commanding knockout record of 17 stoppages from 18 wins, and Huni at 12-0 with seven knockouts, their meeting is anticipated to deliver ferocious action as both aim to maintain their undefeated records.
Wardley’s last performance saw him avenging an earlier draw with fellow Briton Frazer Clarke by securing a decisive first-round knockout in their rematch in October. In contrast, Huni enters the fight on the back of three consecutive stoppage victories, showcasing his rising form and underscoring the challenges Wardley will face.
The main card of the event gets underway at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET), with the main event ring walks slated for 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). Fans can catch the live broadcast on DAZN, which will stream the fight across more than 200 countries, making the showdown widely accessible. Subscription plans for DAZN start at £14.99 a month, and the service supports a variety of platforms, ensuring there's no shortage of ways for viewers to tune in.
Adding to the excitement is the fight card accompanying the main event. This includes Sam Gilley versus Louis Greene in the super-welterweight category, Mike Perez against Steven Ward in cruiserweight, Pierce O’Leary versus Liam Dillon in super-lightweight, and Lillie Winch taking on Katerina Dvorakova in the featherweight division.
In terms of betting odds, Wardley is favored at 2/7, with Huni at 3/1, and a draw at 14/1, according to Betway. These odds indicate Wardley's slight upper hand, likely due to his explosive knockout power and home-ground advantage. Nonetheless, Huni's track record and recent performances suggest he cannot be underestimated.
For fans, analysts, and stakeholders in the sport, this fight carries significant weight. It not only challenges Wardley's established reputation but also offers Huni a pivotal stage to project his ascendant trajectory in heavyweight boxing. The stakes are high, and the outcome could shape the future paths for both burgeoning fighters.
Regardless of the winner, Saturday’s fight represents the dynamic nature of boxing's heavyweight division, where a single bout can elevate or reshape a fighter's career. As the fighters prepare to step into the ring at Portman Road, the boxing community anticipates a compelling confrontation that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.