Latest news with #IpswichTownFootballClub
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'It's my time': Justis Huni is pain-free for the first time ever and ready to shock Fabio Wardley
LONDON — Justis Huni stares intently with a bemused look on his face. The 26-year-old sits in a London hotel, jet-lagged up to the eyeballs following a commute from Australia, and is trying, politely, to feign interest in the trials and tribulations of Ipswich Town Football Club. It's at Ipswich Town's home of Portman Road that Huni will make his debut on U.K. soil this Saturday night, challenging hometown hero Fabio Wardley for the WBA interim heavyweight title. But the gravitas of the event doesn't loom large in the eyes of the challenger as we speak six weeks out from the card titled 'Running Towards Adversity.' Advertisement 'It's just me versus me — that's how I have viewed my whole boxing career so far,' he explains. 'Nothing that Fabio [Wardley] or the crowd can bring can impact me in the slightest. It's just me and myself. If I can continue to improve every day of my life and beat the past version of myself, then I know that nobody can stop me.' 'Having 20,000 or however many booing me makes no difference to me. I am arriving to do a job — it's a sport where I have always believed I am here to take over, rather than just take part.' Huni (12-0, 7 KOs) displays an impressive one-track mind with unshakeable confidence. My detailing of Ipswich Town's relegation from the English Premier League is met with further confusion, and unlike his predecessor for this contest, Jarrell Miller, he isn't willing to cheapen himself with a faux hatred of Wardley's beloved team. With just 12 fights and 78 rounds under his belt in the pro game, you'd be forgiven for suggesting that this potential career-defining opportunity has come early in the Australian's story. But he's a believer that timing is everything in boxing, and opportunities are there to be snatched. Advertisement 'It was an easy decision to make [to accept the fight], if I am being honest, even at six weeks' notice,' he says. 'It's a massive opportunity for a fighter like me from the other side of the world. As Australians, we don't tend to be gifted these sort of fights, so I knew I had no option but to take it. 'It's my time — it's as simple as that. If you turn down opportunities like this, then who knows when the next one might arise.' In sport, sometimes you need several moving parts to align. They say it's better to be a lucky athlete than a talented athlete, and Huni feels he is benefitting from this in his fifth year as a pro. At the start of this year, he underwent surgery on his left elbow, solving a problem that had dogged him for the past few years. 'I had several chipped bones in my elbow — something I have had to fight with for my whole pro career,' he explains. 'Before the surgery, I didn't know what it felt like to throw a jab without having this painful numbing sensation afterward. I would be scared to miss, as this pain would come and wouldn't disappear for a couple of rounds after. I guess I just learnt how to adapt and fight with it. Advertisement 'But now it's fixed, I feel like a free man. I won't go into spars of fights with that nagging feeling at the back of my brain of it going again. I have been punching well for the past couple of months since the surgery, just getting back into the swing of things, and I am ready to let it fly against Wardley. 'The timing of this fight was just meant to be. This fight is potentially life-changing for me, so to come into it with basically a fully functioning elbow is great.' Despite the injury, Huni has remained a very active heavyweight. He has been moved quickly by Matchroom Boxing since signing with Eddie Hearn's promotional outfit in February 2023, fighting four times, winning three by knockout. Justis Huni punches Kevin Lerena during his WBO Global heavyweight title fight at the Kingdom Arena on March 8, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. () (Richard Pelham via Getty Images) 'I enjoy being active,' he adds. 'Staying ready is very important in this sport. This gives me a reason to train all year round and keep in shape. The last couple of years have gone by very quickly, but it has become very expensive to find opponents that want to fight me now — so jumping up into a challenge the size of Wardley makes the perfect sense for me now." Advertisement Huni was due to participate in the 2020 Olympic Games representing Australia, but a hand injury forced him to withdraw after his fifth professional contest against fellow countryman Paul Gallen. This was the sign for him to stay in the pro game rather than waiting on another cycle, and this decision could bear fruits on Saturday night. 'I have loved the transition from amateur to pro," he says. "The journey has been good so far, but I am always on the hunt to perfect my craft — that will come with time. Amateur boxing is a sprint to the line, but in the pros you are able to work into a fight and rely more on tactics. 'That's what I will have to do in order to beat Wardley. I feel I am better than him in every department except his power, so if I am able to keep him long and use my ring IQ, then there is no reason why I can't win this fight. He keeps saying he is going to hunt me down, but I am a boxer. I have fought every style in the world and these are the kind of fights where that experience is priceless. 'He can be assured that I've done my homework on him. He's still pretty raw himself and will be surprised when he gets into the ring with someone like me who he will have to work out. I know that with the crowd behind him he is going to want to lure me into a tear-up, but that's not going to work — I would be stupid to trade with him.' Advertisement Huni closes the conversation with a smile. A 22-hour flight quickly followed by a 12-hour media day has clearly taken it's toll on the 6-foot-4 heavyweight, but he's convinced it'll all be worth it when the opening bell chimes inside Portman Road. 'I want to spearhead this next generation of heavyweights,' he concludes. 'After this, it's only big fights. It's my time to open the next door.'
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The global stars who rocked Ipswich Portman Road over the years
Ipswich Town Football Club's Portman Road will welcome global superstar Ed Sheeran in July - but he is not the first to have rocked the big names including Sir Elton John and Rod Stewart have performed to thousands of fans in years gone the legendary Tina Turner blessed the town with her presence during a show in the Ipswich gets ready to welcome Sheeran in July for three shows, here is a look back at the stars who have played at Portman Road over the years. Tina Turner The late Tina Turner came to Portman Road in 1990 as part of her Foreign Affair tour that included 121 her Portman Road show was the first ever concert to be held at the stadium. Songs performed to the thousands included What's Love Got to Do With It, Proud Mary, Show Some Respect and many more. Turner died in 2023 at the age of 83. Rod Stewart Stewart has performed not once, not twice, but three times at Portman first took to the stage in 1991 with fans queuing for hours to ensure they got a good spot once inside the literally kicked off this show by booting a football into the crowd of 25,000 fans. Fast forward 16 years, he was back again in 2007 as torrential downpours failed to stop the crowds turning up in their group The Pretenders kept the crowd warm despite the rain, before Stewart came out and belted out hits like Maggie May and You Wear It was back in town in 2019 performing to a 19,000 strong crowd as the heavens once again opened. Bryan Adams Bryan Adams, the Groover from Vancouver, filled Portman Road back in 1992 for his Waking Up the World tour. He was supported by Squeeze, Little Angels and Extreme, and the tour merchandise T-Shirts included Ipswich's name nestled in with big cities like Athens, Berlin, Manchester and more. The encore was electric as Adams performed the beloved song Summer of '69 as well as Diana and One Night Love Affair. The Canadian star later returned to Ipswich to perform at the Regent Theatre in 2010. Dire Straits 1970s rock group Dire Straits performed at Portman Road back in 1992, nine months after the release of their sixth studio album, On Every album went to number one in the album charts after its release. The Portman Road tickets cost £21 and the band was supported by Was (Not Was) and Lyle Lovett. Elton John Sir Elton performed at Portman Road in 2004 and more recently in 2004, 23,000 fans attended to see the gig, which was the first one at the stadium in 12 years. James Blunt warmed up the crowd before Sir Elton took to the stage. BBC Suffolk reporter at the time, Oli Moorman, spoke of the "amazing atmosphere" as Sir Elton performed. "The look of complete elation on so many faces (in some cases fuelled by a tipple or two) was a clear sign that Sir Elton had given the people of Ipswich a night to remember," he said. In 2017 Sir Elton was then supported by Jake Isaac at a sold out show and wowed the crowds with Rocket Man, Your Song, and many other hits. R.E.M. American quartet R.E.M. performed at Portman Road for their Around the Sun tour in show was the day after the country was left shocked by four suicide bombers targeting London's transport network killing 52 people and injuring hundreds more. Singer Michael Stipe started the show with a statement detailing the band's intention for the performance, which he said was "about catharsis, about epiphany, about feeling, about remembering, about community and about celebration - about celebrating life".Songs included on the set list were Everybody Hurts, Losing My Religion and Man on the Moon. Neil Diamond In 2005 Neil Diamond, the legendary singer behind Sweet Caroline, performed at Portman two hour performance included many of his top hits, but fans at the time said they were disappointed with the lack of Song Sung Blue that would have been very apt with Town's blue kit. Regardless many were still overjoyed with the then 64-year-old's performance. Red Hot Chili Peppers In 2006 American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers traveled to Ipswich as part of their UK tour that year. The sold out show to 28,000 fans was kicked off by singer Anthony Kiedis questioning to the crowd: "Ipswich? Where's Ipswich?"The gig included hit songs like Californication that was described as "immense", and others like Can't Stop, Dani California and Right on Time with a London Calling style intro. BBC reporter Jim Connolly said at the time the crowd "lapped up" the performance. P!nk In late 2009 P!nk announced her Funhouse Summer Carnival Tour for the UK which included a Portman Road was just one of six shows for the American the summer of the following year, P!nk delighted fans with songs including Get the Party Started, Funhouse and So also included acrobatic stunts that she has become famous for during her live shows. Barry Manilow Barry Manilow, the American singer behind Copacabana, Mandy and Could It Be Magic announced he was playing Portman Road in 2014 as part of an eight-date tour. It was also the first show at the stadium since P!nk in 2010. Manilow performed many of his hits delighting thousands of fans. Ed Sheeran While Sheeran has just announced his upcoming shows, it is technically not the first time he has performed at Portman Road. Sheeran previously performed there in 2021 as part of TikTok's UEFA Euro 2020 the event was live streamed, there was no live audience however. Sheeran has performed other shows however across Ipswich including in Chantry Park in for Sheeran's upcoming July shows go on sale in the coming days. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ed Sheeran announces series of Ipswich Portman Road gigs
Singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced a series of homecoming gigs at Ipswich Town Football Club's Portman Road who went to school near Framlingham and is a minority stakeholder at the football club, announced he will play three shows at the stadium on 11, 12 and 13 comes as he announced his new album Play would be released in September. Fans will be able to pre-order his new album to gain access to a pre-sale at 09:00 GMT on Wednesday for the shows before general sale begins Friday at 10:00. Sheeran will supported by Myles Smith and Tori Kelly on 11 following night will be supported by Busted and Dylan before the final show will have James Blunt and Maisie Peters supporting. Ipswich Town began teasing the news on Thursday night with a few images of a play symbol on the football club's had been projected on to the side of Portman Road as well as the Orwell were quick to realise what the tease meant and the posts were filled with comments, many expressing they could not wait for the shows."Finally... squad number 17 making his Portman Road debut four years after signing," one fan said."Teddy's coming home," another added. Sheeran previously performed at the stadium in 2021 as part of TikTok's UEFA Euro 2020 the event was live streamed, there was no live audience. The singer also previously played a series of shows at Ipswich's Chantry Park in 2019 and since then has done several impromptu Ashton, Ipswich Town chairman and chief executive previously said he had spoken with Sheeran last year about a possible show at the same he had also been speaking with boxer Fabio Wardley who announced a fight at the stadium last month."Both relationships [with Sheeran and Wardley] since we've come in, they're family."We're proud of them, they're proud of us." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Autistic artist hopes his Ipswich Town painting is inspirational
An autistic artist said he was honoured that his painting of a football stadium will be sold to raise money to help other people with Downes has painted Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town Football Club, and is auctioning the art for the club's community artist, from Manningtree, Essex, said it was a privilege to work with the club, which engages 9,000 young people and vulnerable adults through 29 programmes."I hope it gives inspiration to people. I am so impressed by Ipswich Town and their genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and engaging in the local community," he said. Saturday's game against Wolves at Portman Road was the club's annual Foundation Fixture. Previous Foundation Fixtures have raised more than £85,000 to support its work in the club provides sensory packs to help autistic supporters enjoy the game. Each pack contains noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget spinner and a stress Dooley, head of business and operations for the foundation, said the money raised from the auction would allow it to continue its work in the community."David's commitment to raising awareness of, and support for, autism is something that resonates strongly with the foundation's values and with a number of its participants, so we are proud to be working alongside him," she said. Mr Downes has a photographic memory, which he puts down to his neurodivergent brain. He recalls the places he has visited and paints them from his artist, who has a gallery in Manningtree, is an ambassador for Autism McQuiggan, chief executive of the charity, said: "April is Autism Acceptance Month and it's fantastic to see Ipswich Town Football Club taking meaningful steps to promote inclusion in football through their collaboration with David. "Too many autistic people still face significant barriers – whether in education, employment, healthcare or accessing social and leisure activities."By raising awareness and fostering greater understanding, we can work together as communities to create a more inclusive society – one where autistic people are not only included but empowered to thrive and reach their full potential." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Felixstowe man shares journey to quit smoking in new campaign
A father says it took a poignant remark from his nine-year-old daughter to motivate him to give up cigarettes after 25 Shuttleworth, 49, who lives in Felixstowe, Suffolk, started smoking when he was said he had lost count of the number of times he had tried to quit over the past 25 years - until his daughter told him she did not want him to has shared his story in Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Town Football Club's joint stop smoking campaign, Never Stop Trying. Mr Shuttleworth told BBC Radio Suffolk he initially tried to quit smoking in his 20s, but found it a said he mainly wanted to give up for health reasons until the timely remark from his daughter."It was actually in the end my daughter, who was nine at the time, who was looking at [smoking] through school," he said."She came home to make us both, myself and my wife, give up at the same time and she said, 'Can you give up smoking? I don't want you to die, daddy'."When you have your nine-year-old daughter say that, it spurs you on even more." Mr Shuttleworth and his wife have been non-smokers for the past seven years, which he said has made him "proud".He said the hardest part of the journey was breaking his usual habits around smoking."When you're eating, you finish a meal and the first thing you do is reach for your cigarettes," he continued."If you happen to go out and have a drink you always have a cigarette in one hand and a pint in the other hand. That's the hardest thing."The nicotine side of it, that goes fairly easily, it's the habit side that's the hardest." The Never Stop Trying campaign saw Mr Shuttleworth share his story in a new was inspired to join after hearing about it through his work within the campaign helps direct people who are thinking of quitting to Feel Good Suffolk, the county's stop smoking member for public health, Steve Wiles, said Mr Shuttleworth would help "inspire others to take that crucial first step".Dan Palfrey, director of foundation at Ipswich Town, added that the club was proud to "support our local community in making healthier choices". Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
