Boxing
10:50, 20-Apr-2019
Boxing: Miller fails second drugs test, new opponent for Joshua to be announced
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A new opponent for Briton Anthony Joshua's June 1 heavyweight fight in New York will be announced next week, as Jarrell Miller, who was denied a license by New York boxing officials over a failed test on Wednesday, has failed a second drug test.
Miller recently tested positive for human growth hormone (HGH) which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.
Miller has denied taking a banned substance.
“I have NEVER knowingly taken any banned substance and when I found out the news last night I was totally shocked,” Miller said on Instagram.
Miller, who is undefeated in his 24 professional fights, was due to take on the Briton at Madison Square Garden for the WBA, IBF and WBO titles.
Anthony Joshua (L) and Jarrell Miller (R) square up during a press conference ahead of their fight in June 2019 for the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles in London, February 25, 2019. /VCG Photo
Anthony Joshua (L) and Jarrell Miller (R) square up during a press conference ahead of their fight in June 2019 for the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles in London, February 25, 2019. /VCG Photo
Miller previously served a nine-month ban from the California State Athletic Commission after testing positive for methylhexaneamine when kickboxing in 2014.
Joshua still plans to make his U.S. debut as planned in June for what will be his seventh title defense.
His promoter Eddie Hearn said on Twitter that a new opponent will be announced next week.
(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)