Ipswich-born, Town-supporting heavyweight boxer Fabio Wardley says talks are under way to stage a fight at Portman Road this summer.

The 30-year-old, the Commonwealth, WBO European and WBA International heavyweight champion, is the number one contender for a world title shot in the WBA rankings with Kubrat Pulev the current holder of that belt.

“He's in the mix of names that we're stirring the pot with,” Wardley told Sky Sports when the prospect of a fight against the Bulgarian was put to him.

“Although I've had my good British-level fights and the middling-level kind of, some people may do a little bit of European and then jump to the kind of world level, but I feel like I'm ready to jump to that world level.

“So Pulev is one of the men in the pot. There's Pulev, there's [Jarrell] Miller, there's [Jared] Anderson, there's Michael Hunter.

“That's the mix I believe I'm in. I'm a world title contender now. So all I believe is left to do is to prove it by fighting another contender. I've got to prove myself and I've got no problem in that.

“I feel like Kubrat Pulev being a world champion with the WBA that he is, I feel like that's a test I'm more than happy to take on.”

While he says he doesn’t yet know who his next opponent will be, Wardley says discussions have been ongoing regarding the Portman Road fight which has been a target for some years.

“The Portman Road thing is a dream and me, my team, Frank [Warren], Queensbury, the football club as well, we’re all working very closely to try and pull something off this summer if we can,” he said.

“With the situation with something like a stadium fight and then when you’re mixing with these top level contenders, there’s a lot of things that need to align, a lot of stuff that needs to align.

“It’s a small window to work with [with Town] and on that side you’ve got which opponent do you pick and what’s their window in terms of their training camp etc.

“There’s moving pieces all over, but if it can come off perfectly, fantastic. One way or another I believe I’m a world title contender and I will be putting myself up against one of those guys.”

Photo: Reuters

armchaircritic59 added 17:43 - Mar 26 Gives a whole new meaning to " Suffolk Punch "! Let's hope it happens.
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Linkboy13 added 18:05 - Mar 26 Im a big boxing fan and would luv to see Fabio box at Portman road but judging by the luke warm reception he got this part of the country is not that interested in boxing.
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slade1 added 18:09 - Mar 26 I don't mind boxing and watch it now and then. There are a few boxers I wouldn't mind seeing fight live but Fabio isn't one of them. I just cant take to the guy at all.
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NITFC added 22:25 - Mar 26 I'm not really a boxing fan these days as so many of the big fights are pay-per-view. However if this happens I will be first in the queue for tickets
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bobble added 04:02 - Mar 27 I think they should box nude.
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Kickingblock added 10:45 - Mar 27 You want to see tallywhackers bobble? Each to their own.
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timkatieadamitfc added 14:21 - Mar 27 Booble - strange comment Kickingblock - tallywhackers LOL LOL LOL LOL ( reminds me of Porkys)
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timkatieadamitfc added 14:22 - Mar 27 Big boxing fan so would love to see this happen at PR, and would definitely be going.
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Linkboy13 added 18:58 - Mar 27 Sleepy Suffolk is not a boxing hotbed im afraid so it wont be happening at Portman road more likely to be Riyad where the big money is.
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