Jarrell Miller fails second drug test

It’s been a bad week for heavyweight Jarrell Miller. A few days ago, Miller was denied a boxing license by the New York State Athletic Commission for failing a drug test - putting his June 1 bout with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua seriously in doubt.

Now comes the news that Miller has tested positive for a human growth hormone. This second test, conducted by VADA, was different than the urine sample collected from Miller last month. The illegal substance is used to increase aerobic power and endurance.

“We have received news from VADA that Jarrell Miller has failed a second separate test for a further substance,” said Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn. “AJ’s June 1 opponent will be announced next week – if you don’t think you can beat him clean then delete my number.”

Word leaked earlier in the week that heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter, signed by Hearn last week, could replace Miller. Hunter has won 16 of 17 bouts, scoring 11 knockouts. His lone was loss was to talented Oleksander Usyk in 2017.