Eddie Hearn weights in on Miller’s latest drug test
In 2019, verbose heavyweight boxer Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (23-0-1, 20 KO’s) was presented with the most attractive fight contract of his professional life. Miller was offered, and accepted, the fight with WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO world heavyweight champion Anthony “AJ” Joshua (23-1, 21 KO’s). It was slated to be the US debut of the immensely popular UK superstar.
Had the bout taken place, Miller would have gotten a shot at the most belt-holding heavyweight champion. In addition would have, it would have been a career-high payday and a slugfest in his own New York backyard. Looking back, it’s hard to envision a scenario that was any more custom made to fit Big Baby specifically. Shockingly, before the fight could take place, Miller popped dirty for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).
NO PUNISHMENT, NO REDEMPTION
On the one hand, while loathsome, PED’s are a common element in professional boxing. So what instantly transformed Miller into the poster boy of chemical cheaters was not the fact that he got caught trying to swindle, but that he failed three separate tests for three separate substances. This is thought to be one of, if not the most, extreme instance of using PEDs to cheat in the history of the sport.
Upon hearing of his horrible infractions, many called for a lifetime ban. Still, others even thought prison time would be appropriate. Yet, in another shocking turn of events, Miller was dealt a kitten-paw soft 6-month suspension.
The outrageously milquetoast ruling filled many fans and insiders alike with indignation. The feeling of injustice greatly increased when the Brooklyn bad-boy later landed a jaw-dropping new contract with Top Rank promotions. So even though it defies all rational thought, in preparation for his first prizefight since his suspension, Miller failed yet another drug test!
JUST CALL HIM ‘CAN’T GET RIGHT’!
When the Joshua-Miller fight went belly-up Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was livid and rightfully so; at the time, he represented both Miller and Joshua. Despite being his promoter, Hearn was one of Big Baby’s most outspoken critics. The UK fight dealer felt as though the fast-talking New Yorker should receive a harsh and meaningful punishment. Along with it, Hearn felt Miller should supply a heartfelt apology. Neither of these took place.
So when Miller’s most recent transgression took place, many were just waiting to hear what tongue lashing the UK mouthpiece had in store. Yet, while speaking with PEP Talk UK, Hearn was far more compassionate than most would have believed.
“A lot of people have been saying for a long time this guy has been cheating for a long, long time. And it worries me that if he is prepared to do what he did, under that scrutiny, after the AJ situation, in a warm-up fight, maybe he has been cheating his whole career. Who knows?
But to be honest, I feel sorry for him, and feel that he has a psychological problem. And don’t think he can bring himself to fight without PED’s. That is the honest situation…listen, I think he needs to go and get his mind right.
Let’s just have it right. You were just in one of the highest profile doping offenses of all time and you somehow get a lifeline in your career and financially, and then you go and do that? In a warm up fight?! That’s why I say I don’t think he is capable of fighting without it.”
THE END IN SIGHT?
Sadly, for Jarrell Miller, his fans and family, it is very unlikely that his career will survive this next round of ridicule and disgust. Stay tuned to 3kingsboxing.com for all the latest boxing news and updates.
By: Bakari Simpson
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