Jarrell Miller vs Lucas Browne Set In Dubai
Former WBA regular heavyweight champion Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne (35-3, 27KO) and once-upon-a-time one of the more intriguing heavyweights in boxing, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (25-0-1, 21KO) will meet March 18 in Dubai. Browne holds the #10 position while Miller is ranked #11 by the WBA.
RELATED: SHOCKING: The WBA Ranks Jarrell Miller At Heavyweight!
Both men have one huge problem in common. Multiple failed drug tests in the past have put a smear on their careers!
SAY NO TO PEDs
In his younger years, Browne was an undefeated wildcard in the division. With a record of 24-0, a WBA belt, victories over former champion Ruslan Chagaev and Hall of Fame inductee James Toney, Browne was seen by many to be a long-standing heavyweight champion. Then shortly after the Chageav bout in March 2016, he tested positive for Clenbuterol. In July of that year, he enrolled into the WBC Clean Boxing Program where he would be randomly drug tested by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association). However, four months later, he tested positive for Ostarine.
Browne did get an opportunity to capture the right to face then-WBC champ Deontay Wilder in March 2018. The once in-shape Aussie was now a noticeably overweight opponent for then-WBC Silver title holder Dillian Whyte. Without PEDs, Browne was badly beaten into a sixth round knockout and out of consideration of a top contender.
In 2019, Miller was on his way to the biggest fight of his career. Signed to Matchroom Boxing and showcasing his skills on DAZN in October 2018, he was set to face then-undefeated unified champion Anthony Joshua in the summer. The anticipation was huge as many felt Miller was the man to put a wrench in the plans of a possible Joshua vs Wilder undisputed clash.
Then weeks before their fight, Miller tests positive for GW1516. While disappointed, Joshua still wanted the fight to go on. However, Miller would fail a second test for the presence of HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and a third test for traces of EPO (Erythropoietin). Needless to say, his chances for a title shot were diminished!
He went on to sign with Top Rank to make a July 9, 2020 return. However, Miller failed another drug test! With his Top Rank/ESPN deal dead, he did not return to the ring until 2022. As did Browne, he looked noticeably overweight and a shadow of his former self at 34 years-old.
RELATED: Miller Still Looking For Vindication In PED Scandal!
BACK IN THE MIX…SORT OF
Miller is still undefeated, although, his last two fights were against very limited opposition. This is expected as he will have trouble getting bigger names in the ring due to his past. Most of the major promotional outfits including his former banner, Matchroom Boxing has publicly refused to work with him. Nevertheless, his name is listed within the top fifteen of the WBA rankings.
Browne picked up a shocking first round knockout over respected contender Junior Fa in July 2022. What was expected to be an easy win for Fa, given Browne had been knocked out in two of his previous four fights, was anything but! This win instantly catapulted the 43 year-old’s name into the WBA rankings.
While bad history between the two mars interest in this fight, the match-up still has some intrigue. Simply because both men still believe they can sit among the top brass of the division. While that may be a “long-shot”, somebody should get knocked out!
By: EJ Williams
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