Anthony Joshua’s upcoming title defence is in jeopardy after his opponent, Jarrell Miller, tested positive for a banned substance.
ESPN was first to report that Miller tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 ahead of his scheduled clash with Joshua on June 1.
Joshua will continue training for his American debut in Madison Square Garden but Miller’s adverse drug test findings, which came about from a random Voluntary Anti-Doping Association-conducted urine test that Miller submitted on March 20, leaves the heavyweight title fight in doubt.
“We have been informed by VADA that there has been an adverse finding in Jarrell Miller’s sample collected on March 20th, 2019,” Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said in a statement.
We have been informed by VADA that there has been an adverse finding in Jarrell Miller’s sample collected on March 20th, 2019. We are working with all relevant parties and will update with more details soon. AJ’s preparation continues for June 1st at MSG.
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) April 17, 2019
“We are working with all relevant parties and will update with more details soon. AJ’s preparation continues for June 1st at MSG.”
It remains entirely possible that the New York State Athletic Commission will refuse to licence Miller for his biggest bout to date but given the promotional dollars that DAZN and Matchroom have pumped into the event, Joshua would most likely face a replacement opponent should the unbeaten New Yorker fail to make it to fight night.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Katie Taylor will get the opportunity to become undisputed lightweight champion on the undercard of Joshua vs. Miller when she shares the ring with WBC champion Delfine Persoon.
