Anthony Joshua’s new opponent for June 1 heavyweight fight in New York will be announced this week, promoter Eddie Hearn says,.
Joshua, Britain’s WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world champion, had been planned to fight American Jarrell Miller but the New York State Athletic Commission refused to sanction the fight, saying that Miller had committed a violation relating to use of a prohibited substance. Miller has denied taking a banned substance.
Miller said on Instagram. “I have NEVER knowingly taken any banned substance and when I found out the news last night I was totally shocked,”
Miller had tested positive for the banned substance GW1516, which boosts endurance and helps athletes burn fat, citing three sources familiar with the matter. Also on Friday that Miller had also failed a second test for another substance ESPN reported
Reuters could not confirm either test and the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, which reportedly administered the second test, could not be reached for instant comment.
“Remember don’t believe everything you hear and see. The facts will prevail and I shall be vindicated,” Miller said.
“I don’t have anything to hide and the truth will make itself known.”
Joshua is the second British boxer, after DeGale James , to win both a gold medal at the Olympics and a world title by a major professional sanctioning body, as well as being the first British heavyweight to do so.
As of September 2018, Joshua is ranked as the world’s best lively heavyweight by The Ring, the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (TBRB)Known for his exceptional punching power, he has finished all but one of his fights to date.