America’s next heavyweight champion after Deontay Wilder could be unlikely source

Jarrell Miller is on the cusp of a world title shot and could be the first American heavyweight champion since Deontay Wilder.

Miller, a controversial figure in boxing after his failed drugs test before his cancelled bout with Anthony Joshua in 2018, is well positioned to challenge for world glory.

Matchroom

After Oleksandr Usyk vacated the titles, the belts have been fragmented and the division is more open than ever.

Miller is currently ranked as the leading contender with the WBA, after Moses Itauma‘s heavyweight clash with Filip Hrgovic was upgraded to an IBF title shot.

It means he is now leading the race to face new champion Murat Gassiev, who holds the WBA title with Usyk leaving the ‘super’ belt behind.

Talks are reportedly underway to get the bout over the line, providing Gassiev doesn’t chase a unification bout with WBC title holder Agit Kabayel.

And Miller believes the Russian is chasing a big payday, but hopes it gets over the line.

He explained: “He’s not really the real champion, right? He is the email champion and he wants more money, right?”

“If you’re not the favorite, and you’re not with a network or a top promoter, and you’re not American, he knows that this might be his last ever time touching the belt.

“He wants to get an extreme amount of money for the opposition, which is me, and the problem is when fighters do that, they price themselves out.”

Miller: I’m ready to fill the void left by Wilder

Despite controversies, Miller is going his best way to try and rebuild and get his name back into the mix.

And after victory over Lenier Pero, which was overshadowed by his hair falling off, his profile is arguably as high as ever.

AFP

Although wanting big names at the age of 38, he is after some silverware to show for his career.

An American has yet to reach the top of the division since Wilder, who is now far from his best, but could soon face Usyk in a cash-out fight.

And as he comes to the end of his career, Miller believes he is the operator to step into his void.

He said: “I am the biggest American talent right now.

“Like I said, we need that one breakout performance, we need that belt to kind of solidify that spot.

“But on BoxRec, the rankings, I’m number one in the U.S. Number two in the world.

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“I think Itauma is officially fighting for the IBF title, so that moves me to number one in the WBA.

“America hasn’t had a heavyweight champion in a few years now. It’s been a while since Deontay Wilder lost his title, but we’re due for a heavyweight champ over here. Somebody like me”.