Confirmed: Anthony Joshua vs Jarrell Miller June 1st MSG
Just announced for June 1st 2019 at Madison Square Garden is the heavyweight title clash between Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller. Anthony Joshua will put his IBF, WBA and WBO World Heavyweight titles on the line against American contender Jarrell Miller.
The boxing world has been waiting for the announcement of Joshua’s next opponent for a while now with a previously pegged April date at Wembley looking in doubt. Eddie Hearn had made it clear that Anthony Joshua’s first choice was Deontay Wilder in order to attempt to become undisputed heavyweight champion by claiming Wilder’s WBC strap. If it was not Wilder then AJ would welcome either Tyson Fury or Dillian Whyte. Unfortunately disputes over splits and finances meant none of those opponents would face AJ.
From the shadow’s steps Jarrell Miller, the 23-0-1 American to take the challenge. The undefeated boxer and former kickboxer with 20 knockouts to his name has had a previous run-in with Joshua at a press conference. When Eddie Hearn unveiled his latest broadcasting deal with DAZN in the states Anthony Joshua and Miller were present. Miller and Joshua exchanged words and squared up against each other before being separated.
Boxing fans undoubtedly would prefer to see Joshua square off against WIlder, Fury or Whyte rather than Miller but this still represents an intriguing contest. This will be Anthony Joshua’s first fight stateside and will be an attempt to raise his profile stateside in anticipation of a clash with Wilder, IF he can best Fury in their anticipated rematch.
Some would say that there is a concerted effort to freeze Anthony Joshua out of the heavyweight division with the top 3 making negotiations difficult, or so we are led to believe. Joshua is the ‘golden goose’ as it has been said, with unprecedented mass appeal. Potential opponents wanting their ‘fair share’ of the proceeds and AJ’s camp obviously wanting to maintain a certain value which they undoubtedly bring to the party.
AJ vs Miller, while not the one boxing wanted will have good build up and will be a clash of styles. With Fury re-matching Wilder, Whyte matching up against Breazeale and AJ against Miller we have a nice set of appetizers in the first half of 2019 and a heavyweight main for the back half…potentially.
