The bout between Jarrell Miller and Anthony Joshua was to mark the latter’s United States debut. The terms for the match were agreed on the 8th of February. It would see Joshua put his Unified Heavyweight titles on the line at Madison Square Garden. The event broke the record for the highest pre-sales for a boxing event in the arena’s history.
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Unfortunately, it did not go ahead as ‘Big Baby’ tested positive for a banned substance. This was a pity as the buildup was intense.
Jarrell Miller shoves Anthony Joshua in the first promotional event
The pugilists came face to face for the first time eleven days after the fight became official. The face-off saw Miller shove the British boxer as soon as he came onto the stage. ‘AJ’ staggered backward and did nothing. Security intervened but the Brit stayed calm. It felt as though he would rather use his fists to reply when he was paid to use them in the ring.
The duo exchanged words with ‘AJ’ seeming rather unperturbed by the events. ‘Big Baby’ was incensed and needed to be restrained to some extent by the event security. He mouthed off even after taking his seat at the table. When the event organizers made the duo pose for a photo op the American boxer was still letting his mouth run as ‘AJ’ regarded him with a calm gaze.
‘AJ’ expressed his excitement over making his debut in America. In the official press release, the then 29-year old said, ” the time has come to head across the Atlantic and defend my Heavyweight titles in the USA.
The Joshua v Miller fight became Josua vs Ruiz. The Brit went on to lose his first professional bout against Ruiz. 6 months later he avenged the defeat and reclaimed the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
‘Big Baby’ called Anthony Joshua a fraud on iFL TV. The comment sparked speculation of there being a fight between the two for the title. In another chat with BonusCodeBets, he claimed to be the number 2 in the division only because he doesn’t have the title. “I know I am a better fighter than all of these guys; I’m better than AJ, I’m better than Tyson, I’m better than Deontay,” said the undefeated heavyweight boxer
Read: What does Anthony Joshua eat for his amazing physique?
