Jarrell Miller, the American heavyweight boxer, has emphatically declared his intention to end Anthony Joshua’s career should they ever face off in the ring. This long-simmering rivalry stems from a cancelled 2019 bout, originally scheduled between the two, which was scrapped after Miller failed a drug test. The forfeited opportunity has left Miller with a palpable sense of unfinished business, fueling his aggressive rhetoric towards the British-Nigerian former champion. Miller’s recent statements, made while preparing for his upcoming fight against Fabio Wardley, underscore his unwavering focus on a future encounter with Joshua, emphasizing his desire for retribution rather than financial gain. He believes Joshua avoids him due to fear, claiming Joshua “disappears when he gets his ass whooped,” a pattern Miller intends to exploit.
Anthony Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, is currently in Nigeria, his ancestral homeland, preparing for his return to training. At 34, Joshua is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggesting that Joshua has perhaps only one to three fights remaining. This limited window adds significant weight to each potential opponent, increasing the pressure on Joshua to secure another world title before retirement. Joshua’s recent losses to current champions Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois have complicated his path back to championship glory, making a potential clash with Miller a less prioritized, albeit potentially lucrative, option.
The backdrop of a potential Miller-Joshua clash is further complicated by the landscape of the heavyweight division. Joshua’s preferred opponents for his final bouts are seemingly unavailable. A rematch with Dubois, who handed Joshua a devastating fifth-round knockout loss, seems unlikely at this stage. Similarly, a much-anticipated all-British showdown with Tyson Fury, a fight that has been years in the making, remains elusive. Fury, despite announcing his retirement earlier this year following consecutive defeats to Usyk, continues to fuel speculation of a comeback with recent training footage, but his immediate plans remain unclear.
Miller’s aggressive callout adds another layer of intrigue to Joshua’s final chapter. While a fight with Miller could generate significant interest and revenue, it remains uncertain whether it aligns with Joshua’s immediate goals. Joshua’s primary objective is reclaiming a world title, and a fight with Miller, while potentially lucrative, might be seen as a sideshow rather than a step towards achieving that ambition. Miller, however, remains relentless in his pursuit, framing the potential bout not just as a victory but as the definitive end of Joshua’s career.
Joshua’s silence on Miller’s challenge speaks volumes about his current priorities. Focused on securing another title shot before retirement, he likely views engaging with Miller’s provocations as a distraction. A clash with Miller, while potentially dramatic and financially rewarding, might not offer the same legacy-defining opportunity as facing a current champion. The allure of a final title run likely outweighs the temptation of responding to Miller’s taunts and escalating a rivalry born from a cancelled fight.
The potential for a Miller-Joshua showdown remains a compelling narrative in the heavyweight division. Miller’s aggressive pursuit, fueled by unresolved animosity, contrasts sharply with Joshua’s calculated silence, focused on maximizing his remaining opportunities. The clash of styles and motivations, combined with the backdrop of Joshua’s impending retirement, creates a compelling narrative that could culminate in a dramatic final chapter, regardless of whether the fight ultimately materializes. Only time will tell if Joshua chooses to engage with Miller’s challenge or continues to prioritize his quest for one last title run.
