Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Ipswich lecturer's Olympic boxing protégé sends emotional thank you from Paris

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

An Ipswich college lecturer received a heartfelt message from the Olympic boxer he's trained since childhood as the athlete prepares to compete in Paris.

Ipswich resident, Simon Mullan, a 47-year-old welding lecturer at Suffolk New College, has coached boxer Lewis Richardson, 27, for 14 years.

Richardson, from Colchester, will compete in the 71kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Simon Mullan and Lewis Richardson standing next to eachother
Simon Mullan and Lewis RichardsonSimon Mullan

Why it matters: Behind nearly every sporting success is a story of huge personal sacrifice and dedication, not just from the athlete, but from family, friends, coaches, teachers and mentors. It's important that in moments like this, these people get the recognition they deserve.

How we got here: Richardson's journey to the Olympics has been challenging:

  • He won a test event in Tokyo before Covid-19 disrupted the previous games

  • His original 75kg weight category was eliminated, forcing him to lose 4kg to qualify

  • Mullan supported him throughout these setbacks

What they're saying: Richardson sent Mullan a postcard from Paris, writing:

"To Simon -- we did it. Olympian forever. Just a quick message to thank you for supporting me -- from a boy to a man. I am very grateful. You have been far more than just a coach in boxing -- you have been my mother, a father, a friend, a physio, nutritionist and much much more. Always here. Olympics here we come."

Mullan's reaction: "That choked me up. When you get back from holiday you get the holiday blues -- then I saw the postcard -- and it was such a nice touch."

What's next:

  • Mullan won't attend the Olympics, as he'll be refereeing the school's boxing European Championships in Bosnia

  • He aims to referee at future Olympics

  • Suffolk New College  plans to invite Richardson to speak with students after the games

The bottom line: While Mullan can't be in Paris, he'll be cheering Richardson on from his home in Ipswich, hoping his protégé can bring home an Olympic medal. Ipswich needs more Simon Mullans.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article