Anthony Joshua vs Jarrell Miller fight is off
New York State Athletic Commission has denied Jarrell Miller a license, which means his fight with Anthony Joshua for the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles on June 1 is now cancelled, according to a Tweet from Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday afternoon.
The decision was made after ‘Big Baby’ tested positive for GW1516 on a test conducted by VADA on March 20. This particular banned substance is known to increase aerobic power and endurance.
“(Miller’s) license has been denied – he can re-apply on any new developments – but yes (we are) likely to need new opponent,” promoter Eddie Hearn told Pugmire on Wednesday.
Miller, 30, is still waiting on the result of his B Sample and can still reapply for his licence, however, the situation is unlikely to be resolved in time.
Joshua has been linked to potential bouts against Luis Ortiz, Adam Kownacki, Manuel Charr, Kubrat Pulev, Michael Hunter, Joseph Parker and Dillian Whyte already.
The damage to Miller’s career could be catastrophic, as he has failed drug tests before and served a ban sentence when competing as a kickboxer in 2014, the Brooklyn-born fighter tested positive for the banned substance methylhexaneamine and was fined and suspended by the California State Athletic Commission.
This latest infringement will mean Miller loses out on a career-high pay day of $4.75 million.