Eddie Hearn and Jarrell Miller: Uneasy Allies!
Earlier this year, Jerrell “Big Baby” Miller (23-0-1, 20 KO’s) squandered a massive opportunity to face Anthony “AJ” Joshua (22-1, 21 KO’s).
At the time of the potential prizefight, Joshua was the WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight champion of the world. Miller would lose the chance to the challenge for all that hardware because he was flagged for PED’s before they ever got in the ring.
Not only was Miller nabbed for a drug substance, he was caught with three different illegal substances in his system.
For a number of weeks, the drug scandal remained a top story on several boxing media outlets. Not only was the amount of drugs involved unprecedented, their bout was to serve as Joshua’s American debut.
Naturally, when the news of Big Baby’s infraction went viral he became something of villainous character in the industry. As to be expected, some of those closest to him sought to distance themselves from Miller’s new tainted reputation.
One of those people was Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.
When Miller was looking to tangle with Joshua, he was being represented by Hearn. Yet, when the story broke about Big Baby’s big blunder, he was one of his most vocal critics.
Hearn pulled no punches when he said that cheats like Miller had no place in the sport. Initially, many felt as if Miller would be made an example of and issued a stern and terrible punishment.
Ultimately, he was barely given a slap in the wrist when he was saddled with a limp six month suspension.
A CHANGE IN TUNE
Consequence of a weak punishment, it was clear that Miller would soon be a viable opponent for the other top heavyweights. When this was made apparent, many in the industry changed their tune in reference to him.
Where they once said he was a plague, now they were saying ‘it is what it is’ so leave the man alone. Even Hearn himself has warmed back up to Miller…sort of.
In a recent interview that Big Baby conducted by IFL TV Hearn was seen making a quick cameo appearance on camera.
Admittedly the quick segment felt about as political and obligatory as possible. However, Hearn did commit to the public show of camaraderie.
“We had a chat. There are big fights out there. My recommendation was go on and do your own thing, you know.
“Time is a healer […] I’ve said, I was disappointed with what happened but I got a lot of love for this guy, you know. He’s got a big heart and it’s hard to hate him.”
After issuing the revealing sound bite, Hearn near immediately exited the scene. This left the impression that while he is cozy-ing up the notion of working with the big heavyweight, Miller is still not one of his favorite people in the world.
It’ll be interesting to see when and against whom, Miller gets in the ring next.
3kingsboxing will continue to provide up to date coverage on Big Baby Miller and his latest moves.
By: Bakari Simpson
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