Portman Road becomes boxing arena for big fight

Large covered stage in the centre of the image. There are two football stands in the background. The sky is blue with moody grey clouds coming in above the stadium. Dino Cabras

The covered ring takes shape for Wardley's big fight

Lewis Adams
BBC News, Suffolk
Connor Bennett
BBC News, Suffolk

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.

Workers in hi-vis tops around the ring area which has been placed in the centre of the Portman Road pitch. There is a large black screen hanging from a large metal gantry. Dino Cabras

Work continues to get Portman Road ready for Saturday night's big fight

A drone shot shows a cover for a boxing ring being erected in the middle of the Portman Road stadium. A sheet has been placed over the pitch and rows of chairs placed on each side of the ringJamie Niblock/BBC

Fabio Wardley will take on Justis Huni at Portman Road on Saturday

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 ring will be.

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.

Workers wearing hi-vis jackets walking on the pitch at Portman Road. The pitch is mostly covered in protective plastic boards, but part of the playing surface remains exposed. There is a yellow heavy machinery vehicle putting large metal structures in place where the boxing ring will be. A stand with blue seats is on the right of the picture.Jamie Niblock/BBC

A sheet has been placed on top of the Portman Road pitch, as seen on Thursday

Workers wearing hi-vis jackets walking on the pitch at Portman Road, which is covered in protective plastic boards. There are yellow heavy machinery vehicles putting large metal structures in place where the boxing ring will be.Jamie Niblock/BBC

Wardley was originally supposed to battle US fighter Jarrell Williams

This picture has been taken from high up in one of the stadium's stands behind a goal. It shows vans and heavy machinery vehicles parked around a metal structure in the middle of the pitch, which is partly-covered by white boards. Some of the playing surface is exposed. Connor Bennett/BBC

Portman Road was not a happy hunting ground for Ipswich Town in 2025 (photo from Thursday)

It will be the first time since 1946 that Portman Road has hosted boxing, according to TWTD.

Olympic medallist Lewis Richardson, from Colchester, is on the 10-fight undercard, as is Ipswich boxer Jack Williams.

A large metal structure with a white roof, which all looks like a big tent, is in place in the middle of the pitch. It is surrounded by the football stadium's stands. Workers in hi-vis jackets are working around it and various vehicles are parked nearby. The pitch is covered in white protective boards.Queensberry Promotions

The headline fighters are expected to walk on at 21:50 BST

Seats in the foreground at Portman Road, with a stage in the centre of the pitch, surrounded by the stands at the stadiumDino Cabras

Seating has been placed on the pitch

A view of the boxing ring in the centre of the Portman Road pitch, taken from the press box at Portman Road, showing seating on the pitch and a structure taking shapeDino Cabras

Ring walks are expected to begin at 21:50 BST

A drone photo shows a wide shot of Portman Road stadium, with construction of the boxing ring ongoingJamie Niblock/BBC

There was still plenty of work to be done 24 hours ahead of doors opening to the public

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