Fabio Wardley: Justis Huni Would Have Been ‘Unconscious’ If Fight Continued

Fabio Wardley has responded to criticism from Justis Huni`s team regarding the conclusion of their recent heavyweight bout. Wardley asserted that if the fight hadn`t been stopped, he would have rendered the Australian “unconscious.”

Despite being behind on all three judges` scorecards at Portman Road on Saturday night as the 10th round began, Britain`s Wardley delivered a decisive right hand that sent Huni to the canvas.

The referee, John Latham, ended the contest moments before completing a full 10-count, seemingly concluding that Huni was not in a fit state to continue.

Following the match, promoter Mick Francis, part of Huni`s management, contended that his fighter should have been allowed to proceed. Francis stated he would lodge a protest with the WBA, arguing the premature stoppage was unacceptable for a world title fight.

Wardley took to social media platform X on Sunday, sharing a video he suggested showed the count lasting nearly 10 seconds. He also clarified that the count begins the moment a fighter is downed and the referee follows the count from the fourth official.

Responding to comments suggesting the video showed a stoppage before 10 seconds, Wardley emphasized that the referee possesses legal discretion to end the fight at any point if he believes a fighter cannot safely continue. He argued that simply getting up is insufficient; a fighter must demonstrate they are physically and mentally sound and ready. Wardley reasoned that sending Huni back out would likely have resulted in a knockout and subsequent criticism of the referee for a late stoppage, implying the chosen outcome was safer and preferable.

In contrast to his promoter, Huni expressed acceptance of the outcome in a post-fight press conference. He stated he wouldn`t “kick up a fuss,” acknowledging “It is what it is” and that the decision stands. Huni credited Wardley with the win and vowed to return.

Francis mentioned that Eddie Hearn and Spencer Brown, also on Huni`s team, shared his view that the fight ended too soon. Brown specifically estimated the count was around nine seconds, noting Huni was “groggy but coming to” when stopped.