Source : ABC NEWS
Justis Huni is two wins away from boxing’s greatest stage after shooting from the clouds to earn an interim heavyweight world title shot.
The Australian will take on British star Fabio Wardley in England for the WBA’s interim belt after a manic 18-hour negotiation on Friday to replace the injured Jarrell Miller.
The pair will meet at Portman Road, the home of Wardley’s beloved English football club Ipswich Town, on June 7 after American contender Miller withdrew, reporting a shoulder injury.
Huni’s manager Michael Francis said the move paves the way to an undisputed world title shot in just two fights.
Francis said the winner of Huni-Wardley would battle either American Michael Hunter and Bulgarian veteran Kubrat Pulev, who will fight in Riyadh later this year.
That could set-up an undisputed world title fight with either WBC, WBO, WBA and IBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk or IBF world champion Daniel Dubois.
Usyk, who has unified all the belts before, and Dubois will fight on July 19.
“This is a massive opportunity, massive fight but there’s an even bigger one down the track,” Francis said.
“No one’s seen the best of Justis. There’s still a long way and he’s two fights away from a major, major fight.”
Huni’s British-based promoter Eddie Hearn said it “is a fight where you will see the best of him … I’m really excited about his future”.
Wardley, 30, is unbeaten with 18 wins and a draw, and represents a huge step up in class for Huni, who’s 12-0, with seven KOs.
Huni’s most recent triumph was a TKO win over South African Shaun Potgieter in January, his third consecutive second-round stoppage.
Huni moved to number one in the WBO rankings and ensured he was ready when Francis caught wind of Miller’s plight last week.
It will be a busy day for Francis’s stable, with IBF and The Ring cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia due to defend his belts on the Gold Coast against Italian Claudio Squeo on June 8.
It is hoped a unification bout against Gilberto Ramirez, who holds the WBA and WBO crowns, will follow.
Opetaia first won his belts in July 2022 and has won his five fights since without having the opportunity to add to his collection.
AAP
