Jarrell Miller is being tipped to fight for a world title at some point in 2019 as heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua eyes a United States debut.
The self-proclaimed ‘Big Baby’ has been on Joshua’s radar for some time after promoter Dmitriy Salita struck up a deal with Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn.
Miller now fights under the same umbrella as Joshua. And after a recent trip to New York for Canelo v Rocky Fielding, Joshua is hopeful of sampling the Madison Square Garden atmosphere for himself.
Reports of a rematch with Dillian Whyte being a done deal have quietened recently. This is despite the Londoner emphatically knocking out Derek Chisora in December.
‘AJ’ had initial hopes of landing Deontay Wilder for an undisputed unification until the American signaled his intent to rematch Tyson Fury.
At this point, it does seem to be a straight choice for Joshua between stablemates Whyte and Miller.
Speaking exclusively to WBN this week, Salita addressed the ongoing rumors regarding Joshua and whether Miller could challenge the crown in the spring of this year.
“Eddie and I have a great working relationship. We have discussed this possibility for some time now. I believe the fight will happen at the right time,” Salita told World Boxing News. “Jarrell is America’s best heavyweight. And I believe best in the world!
“Joshua already knocked out Dillian Whyte. So while it may be an interesting fight in the UK, I don’t know its interest in world boxing terms.
“Miller vs. Joshua is one of the biggest fights in boxing. I am confident it will happen at the right time. If it’s Joshua’s next fight, I don’t know. That’s up to him.”
Asked about potential dates or deadlines, Salita replied: “No dates have been discussed at the moment. We are moving forward with progressing Jarrells career on his path to a world title.
“We want to make history and join the ranks of Brooklyn heavyweight greats Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe.
“There have not been any real discussions, so there is not a deadline that I am aware of.”
CHAMPION
Obviously, being close to Miller and able to judge more than most of the undefeated 30-year-old’s capabilities, Salita is in no doubt about the outcome of any future collision with Joshua.
“I see Jarrell eventually becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world from Brooklyn, New York,” predicted the former world-rated contender.
“Jarrell wants to fight the best champions and contenders in the division. He has expressed his interest in fighting Joshua, Wilder, and Fury. He wants the best and biggest names.
“With Jarrell’s credentials in the ring and charisma outside it, each one of these super fights would be huge cross-over sporting events,” he concluded.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
