Fabio Wardley and Jarrell Miller’s pre-fight news conference descended into heated scenes at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road ahead of their WBA interim heavyweight title clash on 7 June.
The tension was ignited when American Miller taunted Ipswich native Wardley by unveiling a Norwich City football shirt emblazoned with “going down 25,” referencing Ipswich’s likely Premier League relegation.
The dig sparked an explosive atmosphere, with Miller claiming, “I’ve been doing my homework and decided to support the other team.”
Miller, known for his brash persona, went on to defend his controversial career, highlighting past challenges, including his sole defeat against IBF champion Daniel Dubois in 2023 and a two-year doping ban.
The confrontation escalated when Miller accused Wardley of releasing a diss track aimed at him. Tempers flared as Miller stood and approached the undefeated Briton before security intervened to separate the pair.
Miller intensified the exchange by shoving his hand into Wardley’s face, prompting Wardley to deny any involvement with the alleged song. “Whatever you heard isn’t me,” Wardley countered. “If I did it, I’d stand on it.”
Promoter Frank Warren, representing Wardley, quickly condemned the altercation, stating, “This is not a good look for boxing. We want the fight in June, not this.”
Wardley, with a record of 18 wins and one draw, was originally set to face Kubrat Pulev but will now meet 36-year-old Miller, who boasts an impressive 29-fight record marred by one loss.
