Eddie Hearn Slams Referee in Wardley–Huni Fight

Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing and promoter of Justis Huni (12-1, 7 KOs), criticized the referee’s actions in his fighter’s bout against interim WBA Heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley (19-0-1, 18 KOs).

“The referee didn’t even give him a ten count. He basically stopped the fight at nine seconds, while Justis was getting up slowly. In my opinion, Justis boxed really well. He was winning almost every round, breaking his opponent down.

Fabio is a real fighter, incredibly tough — he never gives up. But unfortunately, Justis relaxed and did the one thing you shouldn’t do — he went for a trade.”

Hearn suggested that Team Wardley would not want a rematch:

“I don’t think Wardley’s team will want a rematch with Justis Huni. I mean, Fabio lost nearly every round. But Justis will come back — and he’ll come back to big fights. He’ll have major fights in Australia, and big ones here in the UK too. His name just skyrocketed. Now everybody knows he’s a world-level heavyweight.

He took a risk — stepping in on four or five weeks’ notice — but he did it for good money. It wasn’t the one-sided fight many expected. We thought it would be a comfortable win.”

Fabio Wardley also commented on a possible rematch — and showed little interest:

“A rematch doesn’t benefit me. Why would I? I’m at a stage in my career where I pick the fights that move me toward the world title.

It wasn’t my best performance — I lost a few rounds — but I won the fight. I’m moving on.”

Reminder: On June 7, Wardley knocked out Huni in Round 10. At the time of the stoppage, all three judges had Huni ahead — 88–83 and twice 89–82. Full fight stats available [here].