Portman Road becomes boxing arena for Wardley Huni fight

Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium is being transformed into a boxing arena ahead of a heavyweight fight.

The Suffolk ground is due to host about 20,000 spectators when hometown hero Fabio Wardley takes on undefeated Justis Huni on Saturday.

The British fighter is hoping for a better outcome on the pitch than his beloved Tractor Boys, who failed to register a Premier League home win in 2025.

Queensberry Promotions said the arena was “coming along nicely” as it shared some pictures ahead of the bout.

Wardley was originally supposed to be fighting Jarrell Miller, who pulled out after suffering an injury in May.

Pictures have shown the stadium’s famous pitch covered in protective plastic boards, with tall metal structures in place where the boxing ring is taking shape.

Wardley, who is boxing for the WBA interim title, said it was a “dream come true” to battle at the ground, which holds up to 30,000 fans for football.

He has won 19 of his 18 professional fights, with Huni winning all 12 bouts he has fought.

Ring walks are expected to take place at 21:50 BST, with gates opening at 16:30.

According to Ipswich Town FC’s website, the first fight of the night was expected to start at 16:40 BST.

About 10 fights were set to take place at Portman Road on Saturday, with gates opening at 16:30.