The REAL Reason Eddie Hearn Might Make The Joshua vs Miller Fight
Sky Sports have recently reported that Eddie Hearn could be looking to make a fight between former World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua and Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller. This development has raised eyebrows due to the history between the two fighters, especially considering that their previously scheduled bout in 2019 was marred by controversy.
In 2019, Jarrell Miller was poised to face Anthony Joshua in what was expected to be a monumental Heavyweight clash at Madison Square Garden. However, the fight fell through after Miller tested positive for multiple performance-enhancing substances, including HGH, EPO, and Cardarine. As a result, Andy Ruiz Jr. replaced Miller, in what would become one of boxing’s biggest upsets when Ruiz defeated Joshua. Since the loss to Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua has also suffered 2 losses to the now-crowned Unified Heavyweight Champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Is Eddie Hearn Considering An AJ vs Jarrell Miller Fight?
What makes Hearn’s recent suggestion particularly intriguing is his claim that Miller still owes him a “substantial sum of money.” Before their 2019 bout, Miller was reportedly paid an advance, which he was contractually obliged to repay if he failed a drug test. Hearn told DAZN’s boxing show previously, “We paid him in advance but the clause in the contract which is you failing a drug test means you repay that advance. That will be dealt with legally in due time, but I like Jarrell.” Hearn described the advance as “millions, of millions, of millions of dollars.”
So, could this be a big motivating factor for Eddie Hearn to make the fight between AJ and Miller, where a deal could be made with Miller to take a purse which is less what he apparently owes Eddie from 2019?
Jarrell Miller returned to the boxing ring in June 2022, after a three-year absence, securing victories against Ariel Bracamonte and Derek Cardenas and this year in March defeating Lucas Browne. As Miller attempts to rebuild his career, the possibility of a fight against Anthony Joshua would represent a lucrative opportunity for the American.
Given the lack of seemingly available high-profile opponents for Anthony Joshua to face right now, the potential of a Joshua-Miller fight could serve as a financial boon for both fighters and the promotion. However, it is worth considering if the unresolved financial matter between Hearn and Miller is a motivating factor for Hearn in organizing this fight.
Though Eddie Hearn previously stated he would never work with Miller again, circumstances change. With Joshua in need of an opponent and Miller eager to regain his stature, the stage might be set for a redemption arc. However, the question remains whether fans will be willing to overlook Miller’s past and whether he merits a high-profile bout.
By NoSmokeSport