PORTMAN ROAD PLAYED host to the launch press conference for ‘Running Towards Adversity’, the heavyweight collision between Fabio Wardley and Jarrell Miller for the WBA Interim world title, which will be staged by Ipswich Town FC on Saturday, 7June.
Wardley and Miller, quite literally, almost came head-to head, with the media event descending into chaos at one point as Miller sought to physically remonstrate with Wardley over supposed disrespect that he was oblivious to.
Order was restored and promoter Frank Warren, along with DAZN’s Alfie Sharman and Miller’s advisor Spencer Brown were able to provide their commentary on what we can expect from a major stadium event on 7 June, live on DAZN.
Tickets for Wardley vs Miller at Portman Road on Saturday, 7 June go on general sale at 1pm on Wednesday, available from the Ipswich Town FC website: itfc.co.uk
Below are a selection of quotes and comments from today’s activity:
Fabio Wardley
“It is my hometown, I am a born and bred Ipswich boy, it is my home club, and nothing is being taken from me here. This is hallowed turf; this is where I’m strongest. There is an extra fight and extra fire in me when I step on that turf. When there is a ring on top of that pitch there is more in me, more determination, more work, more output. I become undeniable when you put me on that pitch. It is a hard night’s work in front of me, but it is a job I can conquer.
“He said he did his research or homework, but clearly not. The last opponent that came here in a Norwich shirt… Clearly, he hasn’t done his homework on what happened to that person because it didn’t end well for them.
“They call you Big Baby because you don’t shut up, you need a pacifier in your mouth. I picked you. I looked at the list and picked your name. I said who is the big guy who thinks he is the big I am in the division? Big Baby, let’s pick that one, let’s teach him a lesson.”
Jarrell Miller
“Ipswich? I’ve been doing my homework and I’m gonna support the other side (Norwich City shirt). That being said, Norwich whooped your ass last time and I’m gonna whoop your ass. I know Frank is a good salesman and has put the battery in his back, but he is getting F****d up.
“There is a reason I have been avoided for many years. I had one slip up with Dubois and I had three weeks’ notice for that but, like I said before, I’m a killer. No matter where I go, real warriors travel anywhere. I’ve been in people’s backyards before whooping ass.
“We are cut from different cloth. I was being respectful then he made a diss song, Big Baby Killer. Where I come from this is a death threat. I am running you down, I am coming to your face. He can do all that nonsense, I’m gonna f*** you up, plain and simple.
“Let me say this man, I don’t mind doing the gimmicks and the fun stuff, but I don’t play, I don’t play this sport. I’ve come from every fighting background you can think of. This is what I do. I was bred for this. You’ve never been in the ring with somebody like me. David Adeleye? Good win. You’ve got draw with that punk, what’s his name? Clarke. I ain’t them. Google my name, Big Baby, there is a reason why they call me that. I make people cry. Come Saturday night here, I’m gonna make you cry man.”
Frank Warren
“We want the stadium fight in June, not today!”
“So, this is a good fight and there is obviously no love lost. It is for the vacant WBA Interim title between the No.1 rated and No.4 in the division. It is a very important fight for both of them and it is a fight that is going to be something special, on the night. I am looking forward to it but keep it nice now and can we please just show some decorum and respect.”
Spencer Brown (Miller advisor)
“Fabio is going into deep waters. Jarrell is proven heavyweight and, for me, the best in America at the moment. It is a big statement for him as well, he needs to win this fight and needs to win it big time. We are all looking forward to coming to Portman Road and it is a big step up for Fabio.”
Alfie Sharman (DAZN)
“We love this fight at DAZN. Fabio is, without doubt, one of the most exciting heavyweights in world boxing and we all know what Jarrell Miller brings, both in and out of the ring. And he is a dangerous opponent. We’ve set the tone with our relationship with Queensberry, we closed the curtain on Heavy Impact on Saturday, which was an unbelievable night of boxing and here we are on Monday already announcing another premium show on British soil. We can’t wait for June 7.”
Tickets for Wardley vs Miller at Portman Road on Saturday, 7 June go on general sale at 1pm on Wednesday, available from the Ipswich Town FC website: itfc.co.uk
