At 36 years of age, with a record of 26-1-1 one might wonder why Jarrell Miller still hasn’t fought for a world title. For those who are unaware of ‘Big Baby, he is an American professional boxer and former kickboxer who was once set to lock horns with Anthony Joshua.
The heavyweight fumbled the opportunity and has since failed to lock in such a high-profile opponent. His recent attempts at getting back into the heavyweight cream of the crop also came undone as he succumbed to a TKO loss to Daniel Dubois in December.
Failed drug tests has proved the greatest hurdle for Jarell Miller’s boxing career. [Image courtesy @big𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢miller on Instagram]
However, the pugilist has now been presented with another opportunity to make his mark. He is set to take on former unified world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. on Aug.3 at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, on the undercard of Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov.
However, will he make use of this opportunity, or will a repeat of past mistakes cost Miller another chance at redemption?
What happened to Jarrell Miller?
As promising a pugilist as he is, Jarrell Miller has always had issues with fair play. The American is seen by many as one of the most egregious cheaters in the game.
Ahed of his scheduled clash with Anthony Joshua in 2019, ‘Big Baby’ failed on four drug tests, for three banned substances. First, he failed a test for GW1561, then for HGH (Human Growth Hormone), and the third time, for EPO.
Check out Jarrell Miller’s apology below:
🎥 Jarrell Miller has now posted this video after it emerged he'd failed three separate drugs tests for three different banned substances. He admits he "messed up" and says he will "own up" to his mistake. pic.twitter.com/HUNpmGUp9l
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 20, 2019
This saw Miller forced out of the card and receive a two-year ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
However, ‘Big Baby’ didn’t learn from his mistakes and failed another test in 2021. He tested positive for GW1561 in a VADA drug test ahead of his since-scrapped clash against Jerry Forrest.
Upon his return in 2022, he started racking up impressive wins, and despite his checkered history with PEDs, he landed another big fight.
‘Big Baby’ was matched up against Daniel Dubois in 2023. A win against ‘Dynamite’ could’ve propelled him to title fights. Unfortunately for him, Dubois proved to be too much of a challenge.
Apart from failed drug tests, his conduct outside of the sport has also been far from exemplary.
Earlier this year, Miller was arrested on charges of carjacking without firearm or weapon and burglary with assault or battery for attacking a car dealership employee, before fleeing the scene with a stolen Dodge Ram. The fighter was later released after his bail was posted for $30,000.