Australian heavyweight boxing champion Justis Huni has declared he would have regretted missing this fight “for the rest of his life” after securing a high-stakes bout against British star Fabio Wardley for the WBA interim heavyweight title.
The 25-year-old Tongan-Australian powerhouse will step into the ring on June 7 at Portman Road, the home stadium of Wardley’s beloved Ipswich Town Football Club, replacing American contender Jarrell Miller, who withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
Huni’s shot at the WBA interim belt came after a frantic 18-hour negotiation on Friday, catapulting him two wins away from boxing’s grandest stage.
His manager, Michael Francis, believes victory could fast-track Huni to an undisputed world title fight.
“This is a massive opportunity, a massive fight—but there’s an even bigger one down the track,” Francis said.
The winner of Huni vs. Wardley is expected to face either Michael Hunter (USA) or Kubrat Pulev (Bulgaria), who clash later this year in Riyadh.
That would set up a potential blockbuster showdown with either unified champion Oleksandr Usyk (WBC, WBO, WBA, IBO) or IBF titlist Daniel Dubois, who battle on July 19.
Huni, known for his explosive power and agility, sees this as his chance to announce himself globally.
“If I didn’t take this fight, I’d regret it forever,” he said.
For Wardley, the fight represents a chance to defend home turf and solidify his own world title ambitions.
With both men unbeaten in their last fights, Portman Road is set for a heavyweight war that could reshape the division’s future.
