Jarrell Miller has only added to Anthony Joshua's motivation by goading the unified world heavyweight champion ahead of their June 1 bout at Madison Square Garden, promoter Eddie Hearn says.
At a fiery news conference in New York last week, the volatile Miller pushed his rival firmly in the chest within seconds of the two being brought face to face, before launching a series of insults at the Briton.
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A second media conference in London on Monday proved to be a calmer affair, but Hearn noted the significance of the usually reserved Joshua vowing to "reconstruct" Miller's face.
"Miller pushed his buttons [in New York]. What he has done has motivated A.J.," Hearn told Omnisport. "I've not heard him talk like he spoke in this build-up, he was talking about reconstructing Miller's face. This is not the sort of stuff that you hear A.J. say, but that's good. He carries the spite."
April 2014...
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) February 26, 2019
"Anthony Joshua? Never heard of him! I'll Google him... Then knock him out!" - @BIGBABYMILLER's first interview with @KuganCassius #JoshuaMiller pic.twitter.com/nDzs3SwHer
Joshua (22-0 with 21 KOs) will be a strong favorite to retain his titles against Miller, who boasts a record of 23 wins and one draw in 24 fights, but has yet to face this caliber of opponent.
Yet, Hearn insists the underdog should not be underestimated.
"It's gonna be a tough fight," Hearn said. "Miller's what, 300-odd pounds? He has a great engine, he has a great chin, he has great punch variety. It's just amazing to be bringing a British heavyweight, the No. 1 heavyweight in the world, to Madison Square Garden on June 1. What a time for the heavyweights."