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Jarrell Miller withdraws from Portman Road fight with Fabio Wardley

American heavyweight Jarrell Miller has pulled out of his WBA interim heavyweight clash with Ipswich's Fabio Wardley scheduled for 7 June at Portman Road.

Tensions spilled over at the press conference at Portman Road
Alamy Stock Photo
Tensions spilled over at the press conference at Portman Road

Why it matters: The fight was set to be a career-defining homecoming for the undefeated Ipswich boxer at his boyhood club's stadium in the first professional boxing event ever staged at Portman Road.

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

The details: The 36-year-old Miller will no longer be able to participate in the contest that was marred by controversy when he slapped Wardley during their heated press conference on 7 April.

It is understood the card has not been cancelled, with a different fighter to be called in to replace Miller and face Wardley for the interim WBA heavyweight title.

The bigger picture: Wardley is a lifelong fan of Ipswich Town and vacated his British title in March as he pursues a world title.

"As a proud Tractor Boy born and bred in Ipswich, this is a dream come true for me," Wardley said previously.

"Fighting for a world title at Portman Road means everything to me. I've got a tough opponent in front of me, but that's what I live for."

Tensions spilled over at the press conference at Portman Road
Alamy Stock Photo
Tensions spilled over at the press conference at Portman Road

Miller was originally set to face WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev but the bout was changed to feature Wardley instead.

The undefeated 30-year-old Ipswich boxer has 18 wins and one draw on his record, with 17 victories via stoppage.

What they're saying: When the bout was initially announced, Wardley had been complimentary about Miller despite his controversial reputation.

"He's a top 10 contender, he's challenged with the big boys before, and I'm in that world title race and I want to prove myself against one of those top-level guys," Wardley said.

"I think he's a perfect fit for that because he brings energy and he brings the fight in simple terms."

Ticket information: The event will still take place at Portman Road, with music superstar Ed Sheeran, also a fan of the Tractor Boys, rumoured to be performing.

The 7 June event remains a historic occasion as the first-ever boxing show at Portman Road, and regardless of who Wardley faces, the homecoming of Ipswich's undefeated heavyweight promises to be a landmark night for the town.

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