Eddie Hearn opens up about Jarrell Miller's multiple failed drug tests throwing a wrench into the main event of the June 1 Madison Square Garden show on DAZN.
In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Hearn expressed his frustrations with Miller having tested positive for GW1516, HGH and EPO, all banned substances. The positive tests resulted in Miller being denied a license to fight unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on June 1 and it left Hearn scrambling to find a replacement opponent.
"You have to look at the extent of what he's done. I like Jarrell Miller. I like his company. For a couple of years, I've done everything to give him the best opportunities for his career. I gave him chances on HBO. I signed him to DAZN. I gave him more activity than any heavyweight in the world. I gave him the Anthony Joshua fight for more money than he would have dreamed off and a shot at the world heavyweight title in New York at Madison Square Garden. And he f----- it up. He took liberties and the thing that cuts me the deepest is that Anthony Joshua is not just a client of mine, he's a friend of mine. [Miller] tried to get a physical edge to hurt him in the ring and for me that is unacceptable. And to come out after the first test and swear blind that he never touched anything, that this is sabotage, the manager says this is racism or something like that. Then that comes out two weeks later and he says, 'Sorry and I'll throw my hands up.' That's bad," Hearn said.
Since it was revealed Miller tested positive for three different substances, the undefeated heavyweight contender released a video apologizing for his mistakes, but didn't reveal any further details. Hearn wonders about why Miller would cheat when presented with a once-in-a-lifetime shot to headline Madison Square Garden for the world heavyweight title.
"Why have you done it? Is it out of fear? Is it just because you wanted to hurt? This is a fight and people have died in that ring. People get damaged for life in that ring and to do what he has done is cowardly in my opinion," Hearn said.
Putting aside his feelings regarding the matter, Hearn did talk about what would be a suitable punishment for Miller's multiple drug test failures. As much as Hearn wants to see some disciplinary action being done, the British promoter says that's not really possible. Hearn claims Miller's boxing license is expired and so the New York State Athletic Commission can't technically suspend Miller.
"The situation is that he doesn't have a license with the New York State Athletic Commission because it expired so they can't punish him. They can only refuse his license. So he can go to any other commission and apply for a license. I don't think he'll get one. A year [suspension] is very, very, very kind to Jarrell Miller in my opinion... This is cold-blooded cheating," Hearn said.
As of this writing, no replacement has been announced, but the plan is for the event to move forward with Joshua defending his heavyweight titles. The full interview can be seen at this link.
