Wardley One Step from the Title – Only Huni in the Way: Statistical Breakdown

On June 7 in Ipswich, United Kingdom, a heavyweight clash for the WBA Interim Title will take place between Fabio Wardley and Justis Huni. The two will determine who is more deserving of fighting for the Association’s regular championship.

The opponent for the winner will be determined later — but it will not be Oleksandr Usyk

Fabio Wardley will welcome his opponent on home turf at the stadium of Ipswich Town Football Club. The Brit was born and lives in this city and is one of the club’s ambassadors.

But this is not the main difficulty. In addition, Wardley is one of the most physically imposing opponents in Huni’s career, and for Justis, this will only be his third professional fight outside his home country and his first time fighting in the UK.

In terms of height, Huni will be the shortest opponent Wardley has faced since 2022. Back then, Fabio fought Chris Healey and won by technical knockout in the 2nd round.

These figures mean little without considering the boxing styles and experience of both athletes. The former can only be fully assessed in the ring, but previously Wardley encountered only partial difficulties with the more technical Frazer Clarke.

As for experience, Wardley has the professional edge. Huni is an experienced amateur, but it’s Fabio who has had more serious encounters in the pro ranks.

The next opponent for the winner will be the full WBA champion, though not Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the Super Champion title. Instead, the winner will face the victor of Pulev vs. Hunter, a fight not yet finalized, but which the Association has mandated. The regular WBA title will be at stake.

Huni has the statistical edge – but look closer

Let’s take a look at the key statistics of the upcoming opponents:

– Wardley throws more punches than his opponent, but has a lower accuracy rate. This applies across all metrics: total punches, jabs, and power shots.This is a notable advantage, but it’s important to also consider the overall level of opposition both boxers have faced.

Wardley has more fights in total and more bouts against true heavyweights. Wins over Adeleye and Clarke in his most recent fights show Fabio’s readiness for high-stakes matchups.

Huni, by contrast, has only Tabiti and Lerena among his most prominent names — both of whom are relatively small heavyweights compared to his next opponent.

– Wardley is perceived as a fighter who focuses on power punches, unlike Huni, who combines more and emphasizes pure boxing. However, statistics show the opposite: Fabio throws more jabs than his opponent and fewer power punches than Huni.

This may also be explained by the level of opposition. Justis has had a limited number of serious tests, and even in the fight against Lerena, he had difficult moments. Wardley, on the other hand, often fights larger opponents, which forces him to build attacks more wisely and set up his power shots.

– Wardley’s activity increases as the fight progresses, as shown by the fact that in his recent fights, his best round statistically is the tenth. Huni, meanwhile, will be fighting in a 12-round bout for the first time in his career. And to date, he has had six full 10-round fights.

The most detailed statistics and analysis of the confrontation in Great Britain can be found at this link.