Jarrell Miller Speaks On The Mental Toll of Fighting Friends
In the opinion of many, in his last at bat, heavyweight fighter Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (26-1-2, 22 KO’s) got a raw deal versus Andy Ruiz. This is because, rather than the majority draw that he was saddled with, a large number of fans and witnesses believe the Brooklyn native did enough to get the nod. However, rather than instigate calls for a Ruiz rematch, Miller has spoken out on the age-old topic of friends fighting in the ring. Big Baby revealed to Fight Hub TV that his duel with Ruiz was extremely emotionally draining and nothing he is looking forward to doing again.
“I don’t want to fight guys that I like anymore, it’s mentally fucked up! Like, I see Andy’s eyes go back in his head and I’m like, ‘I might hit this guy and he might die and I am thinking about his kid. He might hit me and I might die, you never know.’ So, I really don’t want to fight guys who I have an emotional connection to because my mentality is I want to go in there and rip your heart out . . . His son was about to cry, his son was about to make me cry! His son is my son and seeing him cry over his dad, it hurts!”
BLOOD OR WATER?
In all honesty, fighting friends in the ring remains a sticky subject for many boxers. Some pugilists have zero issue getting in the ring and socking their good friend in the mouth, if legacy or enough money is on the table. Former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence is well known for saying he’d fight anyone, regardless of his personal feelings, if the business called for it.
Meanwhile, others, such as Keyshawn Davis, are adamant about not tangling with chums like two-division champion Shakur Stevenson for any reason. Likewise, those in the fanbase are equally divided. Some acknowledge those bonds and while others are more in line with the more cold-blooded mentality that there are no friends in a literal blood sport.
As for Jarrell Miller, given his recent statements, it is very unlikely that he will dance with Andy Ruiz or anyone else that he has a genuine bond with. Yet, if pushed to the wall, perhaps the right title or purse could change his mind. Only time will tell. So let’s stay tuned and see what is next for the heavyweight with a heart.
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