Listen, I've been covering boxing for eight years now, and Saturday night at Portman Road was one of those fights that makes you question everything you think you know about this sport.
Fabio Wardley was getting absolutely schooled by Justis Huni. I'm talking proper beaten up - the kind of beating that makes promoters start planning damage control press conferences.
When Your Hometown Crowd Goes Quiet
Picture this: 20,000 soggy fans packed into a football stadium, expecting their local hero to steamroll some Aussie replacement fighter. Instead, they're watching Huni put on a boxing clinic that would make Lomachenko jealous. The atmosphere went from electric to funeral-quiet by round 6.
My mate texted me during the 8th: "This is painful to watch." He wasn't wrong.
Those Scorecards Were Brutal (And Honest)
Here's the thing that shocked everyone - when they revealed the scorecards after Wardley's miracle knockout, two judges had given him just ONE round. One single round! In his own backyard!
For once in boxing, we got honest judging in a hometown fight. Usually these cards would be 6-3 or 5-4 to keep things respectable. Not this time.
One fan on Twitter summed it up perfectly: "I didn't give Wardley a round. The 1st was close but Huni nicked it with cleaner punches." Harsh but fair.
Then Everything Changed in 0.3 Seconds
Round 10 starts, Wardley's basically fighting for his career at this point. Huni's cruising, probably thinking about his post-fight interview...
BOOM.
One right hand. That's all it took. Huni went down like he'd been shot by a sniper, and suddenly 20,000 people remembered how to make noise again. Frank Warren called it a "Deontay Wilder moment" - honestly, that's probably underselling it.
The Aussie's Honest Take
Credit to Huni for keeping it real afterwards. "That's my curse," he said. "I even said before this fight it only takes one second to switch off."
Guy dominated for 27 minutes and lost everything in three seconds. Boxing's cruel like that.
His first professional loss after 12 straight wins, and it came from nowhere. Poor bastard probably replays that moment every night.
What This Actually Means
Wardley's now 19-0 with 18 KOs, which looks impressive on paper. But anyone who watched that fight knows he's got serious work to do before stepping up to world level.
"I don't profess to being any Usyk or Justis Huni who has all the skills," Wardley admitted. "But I know how to win fights."
That's heavyweight boxing in 2025 - sometimes skill beats power, sometimes power beats everything. Saturday was one of those nights where power saved the day, but it won't always work out that way.
The win puts him in world title conversations, but honestly? He needs to fix whatever went wrong for those first nine rounds before facing anyone with a real belt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is required to begin boxing?
To begin boxing, you require essential gear for safety and effective training. This includes a pair of boxing gloves, hand wraps to protect your wrists and hands, a mouthguard, and headgear if sparring. Boxing shoes and athletic clothing that is comfortable are also recommended to improve movement and support.
What are the benefits of breathing when boxing?
Boxing requires proper breathing to maintain energy and stamina. You will also remain relaxed throughout a training session or match. To manage oxygen intake and output, you should breathe rhythmically and exhale with each punch. Inhale through your nose and then exhale through your mouth.
How do I protect my self in boxing
Boxing defense includes a number of techniques. You can use slips, weaves and rolls as well as footwork and maintain distance by using your feet. As important as learning your offensive moves, it is also crucial to learn defensive skills.
Can I learn Boxing at Home?
Although you can begin learning boxing through fitness apps or instructional videos, it is best to work with a certified coach at a gym in order to master the techniques. A boxing gym also provides equipment and allows you to practice with other people.
What are basic boxing strikes?
The basic punches of boxing are the jab (a quick straight punch with the lead hand), the cross (a powerful straight punch with the rear hand), the hook (a semicircular punch that is aimed to the side of the opponent's body or head), and the uppercut.
Statistics
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
- Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
- Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
- On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
- About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
External Links
How To
How to throw a jab in boxing
The jab is a fundamental punch of boxing. As you begin in your boxing position, extend your leading hand straight to the target. Rotate the fist so the palm faces downward at the moment impact. Snap the hand back instantly to guard your face. Keep your jab fast and straight to both set up combos or keep an enemy at bay.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/when-your-sisters-ghost-helps-you-throw-the-perfect-uppercut
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