Tensions boiled over at Portman Road on April 7, 2025, as heavyweight rivals Jarrell Miller and Fabio Wardley faced off in a fiery press conference ahead of their upcoming bout. The two fighters, set to clash for the vacant WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight title on June 7, ignited a storm of controversy as Miller accused Wardley of disrespecting him with a supposed diss track.
The atmosphere turned electric when Miller, 36, unveiled a Norwich City shirt with the words 'Going Down 25' emblazoned on the back, a jab at Wardley’s beloved Ipswich Town, who are currently battling relegation from the Premier League. Not to be outdone, Wardley, 30, countered by presenting an Ipswich jersey, showcasing his loyalty to his hometown club.
As the press conference unfolded, Miller's frustration escalated, culminating in a dramatic moment when he slapped Wardley after accusing him of recording a diss song titled 'Big Baby Killer.' "We are cut from different cloths," Miller declared, visibly agitated. "I was being really respectful, then he made a r** a diss song. Where I come from, that is a death threat. I'm running you down, I'm coming to your face, plain and simple. I'm going to f you up."
Wardley, looking perplexed, responded, "I don't know what song you're talking about. I haven't made any songs; whatever you heard isn't me." The exchange quickly escalated into a shouting match, with both fighters refusing to back down. Security personnel were forced to intervene, separating the two men as the tension reached a boiling point.
Frank Warren, the promoter for Wardley, expressed his disappointment over the chaotic scenes at the press conference, stating, "This is not a good look for our sport, not a good look for boxing. I don’t want to be seeing this. We want the stadium fight in June, not today. I apologize on behalf of everybody here."
Wardley, who is riding high after a stunning first-round knockout of Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke last October, has an impressive record of 18 wins, 1 draw, and 17 stoppages. Meanwhile, Miller is eager to bounce back after a draw against Andy Ruiz Jr. last year and a knockout loss to IBF champion Daniel Dubois in 2023. Notably, Miller’s career has been marred by multiple doping violations, including a two-year ban for testing positive for performance-enhancing substances.
As the press conference concluded without the customary face-off, it left fans buzzing with anticipation for their June showdown. The clash promises not only to be a battle for the title but also a test of wills between two fighters with a penchant for drama both inside and outside the ring.
This upcoming bout at Portman Road is more than just a title fight; it’s a clash of personalities and a test of resilience. With both fighters now in the spotlight, the world will be watching to see how this rivalry unfolds as the date approaches.
