Jarrell Miller, the American heavyweight, continues to hold onto his desire to eventually fight against Anthony Joshua.
In 2019, a highly anticipated meeting between the two was scheduled to take place at Madison Square Garden. However, an intense build-up, including a physical altercation during a face-off, ended up being futile as Miller’s positive test for a prohibited substance dashed the plans. Consequently, Andy Ruiz Jr was summoned to replace Miller, leading to a series of events that would go down in history.
After a period of regaining his previous skills, Joshua is now a strong contender for the IBF heavyweight title match at Wembley Stadium in September. However, his opportunity to reclaim the belt he once won in 2016 depends on it becoming available again. This will only occur if Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury face off on May 18 to determine the undisputed champion.
During fight week in Riyadh, Miller, with a record of 26-1-1 (22), and Joshua coincidentally had separate assignments on the same card. It has been five years since they were supposed to face each other, but Miller continues to fuel his own career by clinging onto the hope of securing a fight with Joshua.
“It’s definitely something that’s motivating me every day,” he told Boxing News today (April 24).
“He displayed an impressive performance against Francis Ngannou, but his recent matches against boxers haven’t been as impressive. When faced with an aggressive and determined opponent, the dynamics completely change.”
In order for Miller to be recognized as a potential opponent for Joshua or any other prominent contender in the future, he must secure a victory against Andy Ruiz at the upcoming bout on August 3rd.
The BMO Stadium in Los Angeles will be hosting a heavyweight contest as part of the inaugural Riyadh Season event in the US. This event marks a collaboration between several prominent promoters, with Terence Crawford, the main attraction, making a move to super-welterweight to challenge the WBA title holder, Israil Madrimov.
Miller attended today’s launch press conference in New York and spoke to BN afterwards about facing his friend Ruiz.
“We’re excited about the current enjoyable atmosphere, but once we commence training camp, things will intensify. Nonetheless, for now, we’re both content to be present.”
BN then asked Miller how key he thought the inactivity of Ruiz could play in their fight but instead the 35-year-old used that moment to offer reasons why he lost last time out against Daniel Dubois.
I had a mere three and a half to four weeks of training for that fight, and to add to the challenge, I didn’t even sign the contract until approximately two weeks prior to the event.
“There were numerous last-minute tasks completed leading up to the fight. The amount of deceitful activities occurring behind the scenes made me lose focus on a few occasions, and I made every effort to remain fully engaged.”
“I want the rematch,” he added.
