Fabio Wardley scores huge KO win over Eric Molina as Dillian Whyte protege’s meteoric rise continues

SUFFOLK puncher Fabio Wardley snatched the biggest scalp of his career with a violent KO of Eric Molina.

The 38-year-old American lasted nine rounds with Deontay Wilder in 2015 and three against Anthony Joshua 18 months later.

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Fabio Wardley scored a huge KO victory against Eric MolinaCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

But the rapidly learning Dillian Whyte protege needed just fifth rounds and a bit of scare to demolish the two-time world title challenger, in just his ELEVENTH pro fight.

After the win, Wardley said: “I got caught because I get a bit bored of the tactics game and the long game, but I showed if you want to go to war then I am ready

“I was still bouncing and moving, I felt it, I was tested and I passed it.

“If you want to go toe-to-toe with me, that is what happens to you. I am not the finished article, I need fights like that.

“I hit him and he didn’t go missing, I had lessons to learn, I have learned them and they are crucial to my career.

“I don’t call people out, I want titles and accolades. I want to build and get maybe a British, Commonwealth or European title.”

Molina did not fly across the world to lie down for the rapidly rising English champion and went hunting in the opener with some spiteful shots.

Wardley showed defensive skills and a solid enough set of ribs and whiskers.

And the visiting underdog also had success in the second when Wardley’s risky hands-down style let him land some loud shots.

In the third Wardley came close to landing a bizarre stoppage when Molina switched off toward the end of the round, turning his back and walking away in a confusing moment that ended the session.

The Ipswich lad marched Molina back into his own red corner at the start of the fourth and clipped him with a left-hook-right-hand combination.

But the game part-time teacher taught the Brit another lesson when he appeared to wind him with another meaty dig.

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The Brit is rising through the heavyweight ranksCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

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But then, in an incredible fifth and final session, Warley was clipped with the biggest punch of his career and looked in serious trouble.

The former recruitment worker’s legs seemed to buckle and his eyes almost glazed.

But he instinctively unleashed a barrage of blows that collapsed Molina into the canvas and didn’t even need the full 10-count.