ALL EDDIE HEARN needed was two words to shut down speculation of a fight between Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller.
Four years ago on June 1, 2019, the two heavyweights were all set to end their nasty feud at Madison Square Garden. Two months prior it was revealed that the American had failed three drug tests for banned substances. With the fight canned Andy Ruiz Jr stepped in and walloped the big Brit to take his heavyweight belts.
In 2023 Joshua is looking for an opponent on August 12 as he looks to work one more fight with new trainer Derrick James before taking on Deontay Wilder in December. Miller, who failed another test in June 2020 before his fight against Jerry Forrest, is now free to box after serving his suspension from the sport.
This week Miller’s promoter Dmitry Salita offered the 34-year-old New Yorker as a potential fight for Joshua. ‘AJ’ was also linked to a rematch against Dillian Whyte, but talks for that have completely broken down.
Hearn took his seat across from Ariel Helwani for another guest appearance on The MMA Hour and was asked if Joshua v Miller would happen.
“Definitely not,” Hearn sharply replied.
“The focus is for Joshua-Wilder. That fight’s going to take place in December in Saudi Arabia.”
Hearn added: “He’s chasing greatness. He wants to beat Wilder, he wants to fight Fury for the world title.”
If Joshua is to fight on August 12 Hearn admits that they have to get a move on and announce something soon with just over seven weeks to go. Helwani queried who that will be now Whyte and Miller are off the table.
“Someone from the top 15. There’s three or four guys we’re looking at,” Hearn said.