Is Jarrell Miller A Realistic Challenge To Anthony Joshua In Their Upcoming Unified Bout?

Anthony Joshua continues to be the biggest name in boxing at present and his popularity continues to rise. They are now looking to further enhance this by fighting in the US, in what is going to be one of the biggest fights in 2019. The fight is scheduled for the 1stof June, in the iconic Madison Square Gardens, in which Joshua will be defending the IBF, WBA and WBO World heavyweight titles. So is Miller a realistic challenge for Joshua, who looking at the current New Jersey sports betting odds, is set to start as the 1/8 favourite going in.

Miller has already started to play minds games with Joshua, and is certainly paying him no respect. This is different from his previous opponents and you can see he has got under his skin. There has already been several heated exchanges on the run up to this fight, and with Miller set to be the home fighter it could be a tough atmosphere for Joshua, which is something that he has not experienced before. 

Miller is 30 years of age and has a long fighting background that includes a 21-2 kick boxing record, prior to moving over to boxing. He had a very short amateur boxing career of 10-1 before moving to the professional ranks and has not looked back since. Miller has an unbeaten record of 23 wins and 1 draw from his 24 fights, and also has an ominous record of 20 knockouts. This shows that he clearly has that knock out power, so is a very dangerous opponent for Joshua.

Looking at the current Boxrec rankings they make Miller the fifth ranked heavyweight fighter, so this is a fantastic decision to push Joshua on the US audience. Miller is a big name, which could set up a huge fight with Wilder down the road. You would have to say that despite Miller’s record, he has yet to face a top level fighter. The biggest name thus far possibly being Gerald Washington, who is not in the same league as Joshua. Miller is a general 5/1 for the upcoming contest, but big odds for a decision victory, so it appears his only realistic method of victory is going to be via a knockout. 

Joshua however has continued to improve and dominate every opponent. His only real test came when picking himself up from the canvas in his stoppage of Klitschko. He has already fought many of the top names in the division, so it is going to come as a major surprise were he to fail to continue his unbeaten run against Miller.