Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
World-rated Heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller(18-0-1, 16 KOs) is trying to stay in the holiday spirit, but he also knows he is so close to a world title shot that the nearly 300-pound Brooklyn native can taste it.
“I am supposed to be the mandatory opponent for Joseph Parker right now,” exclaimed Miller in a recent interview with Round By Round Boxing. “Now I’m hearing Hughie Fury’s name again, but that’s Frank Warren being a cock block on the situation right now.”
Miller went on to say he believes Fury should not even be in the picture since according to Miller he refused to participate in a four-man eliminator and then failed a drug test.
Back in the summer, UK Anti-Doping released a claim that Fury and his cousin, former world champion Tyson, tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid nandrolone.
“Fury has two strikes against him now,” said Miller. “I know that Joseph Parker’s camp already accepted me as an opponent. They want to do it in New Zealand or Las Vegas. HBO wants to put the fight on. There is absolutely zero value in a fight with Fury so the next best thing is Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller–point, blank, period the end!”
Boxingscene.com reported on Wednesday that Bob Arum is considering Miller as an opponent for Parker who recently defeated Andy Ruiz to capture the vacant WBO title. Other possibilities for Parker include David Price and David Haye should Haye get passed Tony Bellew in March.
“I am going through a promotional dispute right now,” said Miller. “It’s not 100 percent settled yet, but I feel like if we secure the mandatory title shot it will be much easier to work through. There’s just certain things I need that I feel I deserve.”
Miller is promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions and recently took to social media to announce he was unhappy and looking to move in a different direction. Miller has not stated what exactly his grievance is with Salita or what is needed to remedy the situation.
“I can’t talk too much on it right now but again I feel like there will be more bullets or ammunition if there was a title shot. It would make negotiating a lot easier but with the grace of God when you do positive things, positive things come to you.”
Photo by Rosie Cohe/Showtime
Miller was last in action in August when he stopped Fred Kassi on ShoBox in upstate New York. Miller is unsure when or how the promotional dispute will Salita will be resolved and when he will get back in the ring if the opportunity to face Parker doesn’t come to fruition.
Following the WBC convention last week in Miami, Miller spent the better part of two days hanging out with Floyd Mayweather, riding bikes with TMT crew and attending a Miami Heat basketball game.
“Floyd, we just cool. We sat down to have a meal and talked about certain things,” said Miller. “If I need any advice he’s just a phone call away.”
Mayweather has said in recent weeks as he prepares to promote two world title fights in Brooklyn to kick off 2017 that he is interested in building out his roster of fighters.
“There’s nothing big as of right now going on,” said Miller. “I’m not bringing anyone into my mess and I’m not trying to cause any problems. It’s strictly just friendship right now. Floyd’s here to help me.”
Among the various life lessons Mayweather is imparting on the brash Miller is to watch who he does business with in the future.
“Floyd said don’t take no one’s word for shit,” said Miller cracking a smile. “You have to do your homework.”
Miller understands that the current promotional situation he is dealing with is part of growing up and he hope it makes him a stronger individual and athlete.
“As you get old you have to start doing things different and that goes for life, not just boxing. You can do what the next person does, but no one wants to be on a leash at the same time. As you get older you want to be a boss, but first you have to learn the game and pay your dues.”
Miller is far more comfortable letting the other big names in the Heavyweight division have it and if he can’t do it in the ring Miller, loves to hammer them on social media or media interviews.
“Man, I’m tired of the ducking and running. They are trying to grab a belt and sit on it. Deontay Wilder is a fraud. He’s hiding out and [Anthony] Joshua is going to stay in England and sit on his belt as long as he can. As I said before I’m willing to travel to get these belts and I want to do it now. All these guys have big money promoters behind them and I don’t so that’s my situation but I am not complaining about that.”
Miller said his game plan will be different than Ruiz’s if and when he gets the opportunity to face Parker.
“I will knock him the fu*k out. That’s what I will do. Knock him the fu*k out.”
In the meantime, Miller is staying in Miami to avoid the New York winter and continue to stay busy in the gym to stay ready.
“For the holidays I will have one cheeseburger and a whole lot of salads,” said Miller [laughing].
Header photo by Omar Martinez/Round By Round Boxing
