By Geno McGahee
Heavyweight contender, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, 23-0-1, 20 KO’s, was ready to take on the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO kingpin, Anthony Joshua, 22-0, 21 KO’s, on June 1st on DAZN in a big test for both guys, but it has fallen apart after two failed drug tests from Miller.
The biggest losers are the fans at this point because Miller was going to be a good test for Joshua, although he was heavily favored to win. With this match dead in the water, the show must go on and a new opponent will be announced next week and it could be good and it could be bad.
Luis Ortiz, 31-1, 26 KO’s, is a potential challenger considering his activity and readiness to challenge. When you factor in his age of 40, there may not be many more opportunities for the Cuban big man. Another good reason for him to get into the ring is to compare Joshua’s performance to Deontay Wilder’s, who barely survived Ortiz. Recently, Ortiz has not looked good and with all the factors considered, he seems to be the best choice for AJ.
Polish power-puncher, Adam Kownacki, 19-0, 15 KO’s, is another name that was mentioned and he would give his all and make it fun for a few rounds. Kownacki seems a few fights away from a title shot, but he may get the chance sooner here considering the situation. Kownacki has beaten former IBF champ, Charles Martin, and former title challenger, Gerald Washington, in his last fights and would try to use his combinations and power to try to land and shock the world. AJ would be heavily favored to win and win early though.
Dillian Whyte, 25-1, 18 KO’s, in a rematch would be interesting, but having this out in New York City makes no sense and Whyte isn’t going to risk anything on such short notice. The one time loser to AJ has rebounded quite well with wins over Dereck Chisora, former WBO Champ, Joseph Parker, and former WBA Champ, Lucas Browne, but this is a fight that is in the near future in the UK…not at the garden.
Michael Hunter, 16-1, 11 KO’s, is a name that is being thrown around too. In his last fight, he knocked out Alexander Ustinov, but he didn’t look incredible. Hunter would not be a challenge for AJ, but might be the guy they get just to fill the spot.
Miller’s positive test for illegal substances has thrown a wrench into the works and has hurt the sport of boxing and robbed the fans of a very interesting matchup. The hope is that AJ will take on Ortiz or Kownacki. The smart money may be on Ortiz. He’s not going to be around much more and would probably jump at the chance. He’s in shape, has fought regularly since his defeat to Wilder and should AJ blitz him early and easily, it would send the message home to his rival, WBC kingpin, Wilder, and possibly make the fight finally happen.
Stay tuned…we should know the opponent this week.
