Boxing press conference turns into farce as Jarrell Miller slaps Fabio Wardley

Fabio Wardley was slapped by Jarrell Miller as their press conference to announce a Portman Road clash descended into a foul-mouthed farce.

The British heavyweight was confronted by the controversial American, who was wearing a Norwich shirt, as they conducted a media meeting on the pitch at Ipswich Town’s home. Miller, 36, appeared angry at former British and Commonwealth champion Wardley over a song that was played at Manchester’s Live.

During Saturday’s against Filip Hrgovic card, there were a number of strange songs played by the DJ which appeared to be AI generated. There were tunes about Frank Warren, broadcasters DAZN, and Wardley, the latter which included several remarks about his June 7 opponent Miller including the line "Big Baby Killer".

“I was being really respectful, then he made a r***** a**** diss song 'Big Baby Killer',” said Miller. "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.”

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Wardley replied: "I don't know what song you're taking about." The pair had already been separated by numerous burly security guards but then stood up and clashed again.

Miller reached over and hit Wardley in the face as promoter Frank Warren’s pleas for the American to calm down were ignored. The pair continued the press conference again but a sit-down interview planned with broadcaster DAZN had to be cancelled later on over fears of more trouble.

Miller is a controversial figure given his doping history. The American tested positive for GW501516, a metabolic performance enhancer, in 2019. That caused the New York State Athletic Commission to deny him a licence before he was due to face Joshua at Madison Square Garden.

Miller then tested positive for banned substances EPO (erythropoietin) and HGH (human growth hormone) in another test. When he was due to return over a year later, he tested positive for GW501516 again before a bout against Jerry Forrest. He was handed a two-year ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

He returned in 2022 and has fought five times since. That included a 2023 defeat by Daniel Dubois in Saudi Arabia. That bout was sanctioned by the British Board of Control so there is not thought to be any issues with him fighting in the UK despite his doping history.

It still will lead to debate on whether he should be allowed to fight on these shores and this drama will only add to the disdain towards the Brooklyn native, who lost to Dubois.