The highly anticipated June 1 showdown between unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and nemesis Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller is in jeopardy due to Miller testing positive for a banned substance. The New York State Athletic Commission subsequently denied Miller a license to compete in the state of New York, thus making it highly unlikely that Miller will face Joshua at Madison Square Garden.
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The fight is not completely dead, as Miller would be able to reapply if his B sample does not show an adverse finding. It's rare that the B sample comes back any different than the initial sample.
The announcement is a shocking development. Miller stood to make the biggest purse of his boxing career against Joshua while also competing for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles. Ironically, it was Miller who claimed that Joshua was the one using performance-enhancing drugs during their recent press tour.
The substance that Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs) tested positive for is GW1516, and it's actually the second time Miller has failed a drug test. In 2014, he was suspended nine months when he tested positive for a banned substance as a kickboxer for the GLORY promotion.
At this juncture, there will likely be a replacement sought to take Miller's place as Joshua's U.S. debut was heavily anticipated with thousands of Brits planning to make the trek to New York to see their beloved champion compete.
There was no immediate word as to who the opponent may be, but it's expected to come sooner rather than later with the fight just over a month away.
