Jarrell Miller’s shot at Anthony Joshua’s unified heavyweight world titles is over.
The New York State Athletic Commission has denied Miller a license to box after it was revealed less than 24 hours ago that he tested positive for the banned substance GW1516, per a report from Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times. Miller’s fight against Joshua was supposed to headline a Matchroom Boxing card at Madison Square Garden on June 1 with the card being streamed on DAZN.
Miller tested positive after a urine test conducted by VADA on March 20. GW1516 is on the prohibited list on VADA's official website under the metabolic modulators subsection.
The search is now on to find a replacement in order to salvage the main event, and by extension, the entire card, which is close to being sold out. A number of boxers have either stated they were interested in the fight or said they will not take on Joshua on June 1. Unbeaten heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki, who fights primarily in New York, has stated that he will not fight Joshua while current WBA “Regular” heavyweight champion Manuel Charr said he was open to it and that there are negotiations already taking place.
The news of Miller’s failed test came on the same day as the announcement of a fight between Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon to crown the first-ever undisputed WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine Female lightweight champion, which was going to take place on that same card.
