What Fabio Wardley must learn from Justis Huni win ahead of Joseph Parker test

Wardley was struggling badly against Huni before producing a knockout out of nowhere

Fabio Wardley will face a level of opposition he has never seen before when he takes on former world champion Joseph Parker later this year, but he might be able to draw on some vital information from his latest win over Justis Huni.

Headlining in his hometown, Wardley found himself well behind on the cards against Australian Huni, who was outboxing the favourite. But come the 10th round, Wardley managed to release a right hand that caught Huni flush, highlighting how heavyweight boxing can change in a split second.

Although Huni managed to get back to his feet, the fight was waved off. Wardley had survived the biggest test of his career, but discovered a host of new questions that he will have to answer in his next fight.

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Justis Huni approach proved successful against Fabio Wardley

Fabio Wardley (L) stands arms aloft during the weigh-in for his bout with Justis Huni (R) on Saturday, June 7, for the WBA interim heavyweight title (Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions)

Huni entered his fight with Wardley pointing towards his experience in the amateur ranks, an education that his opponent lacks. It is a common criticism of Wardley, who took up professional boxing after just four white-collar fights, with no amateur background.

Those comments hold some weight, as proved by Huni’s performance in Ipswich back in June. The Aussie established his control of centre ring, before remaining composed in his shot selection. Not only did this prevent Wardley from getting into a flow, but Huni’s patient shots also buzzed his rival, without leaving many opportunities for counters.

It wasn’t a fluent in-and-out performance, with Huni pressing his advantage with combinations whilst Wardley was on the ropes, but it highlighted the Brit’s issues when facing a more fleet-footed boxer.

Wardley will need to study this part of his game in order to avoid a repeat of a similar fight against Parker. At least Wardley can learn this lesson without a blemish of defeat upon his record.

Joseph Parker - a difficult style match-up for Fabio Wardley

Joseph Parker weighed in without opponent Martin Bakole, who is still preparing for their fight (REUTERS)

If Wardley struggled against a fighter still learning his trade in Huni, facing a more experienced man with a similar approach to fighting is a risky move for the 30-year-old.

Parker’s hand speed, footwork, and head movement have helped him remain in the upper echelons of the heavyweight division even after he lost his world title to Anthony Joshua in 2018. Just as Huni managed to do so with Wardley pinned against the ropes, the New Zealander likes to put together combinations.

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The worry for Wardley will be that Parker will simply take a gameplan that is proven to work against him, elevating it with his increased quality in comparison to Huni.

A man of Parker’s experience is also less likely to be susceptible to dropping his guard like the Aussie did, reducing Wardley’s chances of repeating a miracle.

Ultimately, a small blot on Huni’s record would prove costly, walking onto a right-hand that had him laid out on the canvas. However, a clear fight-plan for future Wardley opponents to copy had been set.

Joseph Parker has already dealt with knockout artists

Wardley’s ability to find a fight-ending punch has caused comparisons to be drawn between the Brit and former world champion Deontay Wilder.

‘The Bronze Bomber’ formed a feared reputation for the power his straight right possessed, Wilder able to secure knockouts in the blink of an eye, rather than cumulative blows.

However, and worryingly for Wardley, one man produced the clear blueprint to neutralise Wilder’s threat - Parker.

The Kiwi kept it simple, using his quicker footwork to either stay out of Wilder’s range, or quickly move inside to prevent his opponent getting off his right hand.

Parker also focused on an improvement to his own defence, making a concentrated effort to keep his lead left high to further nullify Wilder’s right.

This briefly slipped during the middle of the fight - potentially a weakness that Wardley could exploit, just as he punished Huni for a brief lapse in concentration.

But Parker’s expertise in handling the heavyweight division’s biggest hitters goes beyond dealing with an aging Wilder. Shortly after dispatching the American, Parker took on Zhilei Zhang - a man avoided in the heavyweight division thanks to his status as a big puncher.

Parker found that out the hard way - knocked down twice by the Chinese fighter, but he still managed to outbox Zhang and take a majority decision win.

This highlights both Parker’s chin and general resilience, which might reduce Wardley’s chances if he tries to rely on finding a bout-stopping blow.

Joe Joyce defeat has helped Joseph Parker

(Getty Images)

Parker is an example of a fighter who bounced back from defeat by taking learnings away from a loss. Back in 2022 he was knocked out by Wardley’s fellow Brit, Joe Joyce, in a pulsating contest that saw both fights go for the jugular.

Whilst Parker demonstrated his chin and ability to inflict damage himself, ultimately Joyce had too much for the Kiwi, ending the contest in the 11th round. Now more aware of his limitations, Parker took a different approach to his next fights with power-based boxers.

Wardley would love to drag the former World Boxing Organisation (WBO) title holder into a straight shootout, but expect Parker to try and force movement from his younger opponent.

Ben Davison, Wardley’s trainer, would be best suited to devise a gameplan to deal with Parker’s footwork, rather than hope he will go toe-to-toe with his charge. Thanks to his dance with Huni, Wardley now has experience with being outboxed - which serves as a strong building off point to improve his all-round game.

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