Justis Huni pushing for Fabio Wardley rematch

Justis Huni has called for a rematch against Fabio Wardley following his dramatic defeat to the British heavyweight on Saturday.

Huni was a major underdog heading into Wardley's homecoming at Ipswich Town's Portman Road stadium, and yet the 26-year-old outperformed his opponent and was leading on all three judges' scorecards going into the 10th round.

However, Huni was soon dealt a harsh lesson in the reality of heavyweight boxing as Wardley - who had struggled to impose himself on the contest - landed a vicious knockout blow to snatch victory from the jaws of the defeat.

Huni's camp were irked in the aftermath as referee John Latham waved off the bout moments before completing a full 10-count, with Huni's manager Mark Francis suggesting the officials didn't provide his fighter with the "correct opportunity".

The bout only came to fruition after Huni accepted the fight on five weeks' notice following the withdrawal of Jarrell Miller due to injury, and the Australian believes with a full training camp under his belt, he'd be able to get the better of Wardley if the two were ever to reacquaint in the ring.

“I’m absolutely gutted,” Huni stated in a Tasman Fighters press release. “I felt like I was doing everything right, just boxing smart and sticking to the plan. I got caught — it happens in this sport.

"Congratulations to Fabio. He’s a warrior and he found the shot he needed. But this isn’t the end for me — not even close.

I would absolutely love a rematch. I stepped up at short notice.

A second battle between the pair appears unlikely with Wardley taking up the position of WBA interim heavyweight champion following Saturday's triumph.

The next logical step for Wardley is an encounter with the victor of Kubrat Pulev’s clash with Michael Hunter, which would present him an opportunity to claim the full WBA title.

Jaquob Crooke

• Matchroom
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