Chaos Erupts at Wardley vs. Miller Press Conference Ahead of WBA Interim Title Fight

Chaos Erupts at Wardley vs. Miller Press Conference Ahead of WBA Interim Title Fight

American heavyweight Jarrell Miller stirred up controversy at a press conference held at Ipswich Town's Portman Road, taunting British rival Fabio Wardley by donning a Norwich City shirt. The shirt, emblazoned with "going down 25" on the back, was a direct jab at Ipswich's likely relegation from the Premier League this season.

"I've been doing my homework and I'm going to support the other team," Miller quipped before unzipping his jacket to reveal the bright yellow shirt. "There is a reason why I've been avoided for many years. I had one slip up against [Daniel] Dubois but I had three weeks notice for that. Real warriors travel anywhere. I've been in people's back yards before."

Miller, who has a record of 29 fights with one loss, was referring to his defeat by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in December 2023. Miller has also served a two-year doping ban after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2019 and 2020.

The press conference took a more heated turn when Miller accused Wardley of disrespecting him by making a "diss song." Miller stood up and approached Wardley, prompting security to intervene and separate the two fighters on the stage.

"I was being respectful but he made a diss song," Miller said. "I don't play this sport. He hasn't ever been in a ring with someone like me."

Wardley, visibly perplexed by the accusation, responded, "I haven't made any songs. Whatever you heard isn't me. I don't know what song you think you heard but I didn't make anything. If I did it I would stand on it."

Tensions escalated further when Miller shoved his hand into Wardley's face, leading to a brief scuffle before security and team members pulled the heavyweights apart. Both fighters eventually returned to their seats, but the incident left a sour note on the event.

Frank Warren, promoter of Wardley, apologized for the scenes, 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."

Wardley, who was initially set to face WBA 'regular' champion Kubrat Pulev, will now meet Miller on June 7 at Portman Road. The 30-year-old Wardley boasts an impressive record of 18 wins and one draw, with 17 victories coming via stoppage.

The press conference concluded with a more peaceful face-off on the pitch, although security remained close by to ensure no further altercations.

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