Justis Huni opens up on Fabio Wardley clash: "It was too good to let go"
Rising heavyweight sensation Justis Huni has confessed that the opportunity to face Fabio Wardley at short notice was "too good to let go." The undefeated boxing stars are set to face off on Saturday night, with Wardley facing a touch more pressure as the bout is set to take place at Portman Road, home to his beloved Ipswich Town FC.
Originally, Wardley was lined up against Jarrell Miller; however, the American had to pull out due to injury. Nevertheless, in the world of boxing, the show must go on. The Australian is jumping in at the last minute and is aiming to pick up the biggest win of his career so far.
Boasting a perfect record of 12-0, including seven knockouts, the 26-year-old knows it'll be a difficult challenge on fight night. Huni has only twice entered the ring outside Australia and has yet to fight on English soil.
Eyeing a seat at the heavyweight division's high table, the Aussie talent is poised to surprise everyone and claim the interim WBA championship. With so much at on the line, Huni has shared his thoughts upon receiving the fight offer.
The fighter opened up about his decision to take the fight, explaining to All Out Fighting and other journalists at a media roundtable last Thursday: "I had to weigh up the pros and cons. If I did not take the fight, I could not have been fighting on small cards in Australia for who knows how long," he said. "I could be fighting in Australia for the next year or two before I get another opportunity likes this... or, I take this fight and just show the world that I am capable of doing and overcoming challenges like this on five weeks' notice."
He added: "That was the big thing for me, whether I come out and show myself to the world now or having to wait around and not know when I will get another opportunity. It was a no brainer once I weighed up the pros and cons. It was too good to let go." The 26-year-old is heading into the fight following a stunning victory over Shaun Potgieter earlier this year, but faces a daunting challenge in Wardley - who is a much larger and more formidable opponent.
He further stated his ambition for the upcoming showdown: "The best outcome for me is to walk out of that stadium with my hand raised and to be the WBA interim heavyweight world champion. That is the outcome I have come over here for and I am just going to give it my best shot... as long as I give it my best, I am happy. That is what it is all about!"
As the anticipation builds for their upcoming bout, both fighters are feeling the pressure, with 30,000 fans expected to rally behind Wardley. Huni is well aware that he won't be the crowd favourite come fight night in Ipswich. "I have not really thought too much about it. All I think about is 'I know it is going to be loud," he shared with journalists.
"I know there is going to be a lot of people against me.' But, at the end of the day, it is only going to be myself and Fabio (Wardley) in that ring and we are going to handle our business." The Australian boxer added: "I know it is going to be loud. I know there is going to be a lot of people against me, but at the end of the day it's only going to be myself and Fabio in that ring and we are going to handle our business. I feel like there is no ignoring [the fact that I'm in enemy territory]. It's going to be loud and I know that. They're all there to support their boy for his homecoming party. So, I think the thing for me is just to embrace it, soak it all up and just go out there and do my job."
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