(Zachariah Delgado/Matchroom Boxing)
Heavyweight Jarrell Miller defeated Lenier Pero via 12-round unanimous decision at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas last night.
Miller, 28-1-2 (22 KOs), is now unbeaten in his last three fights. The 37-year-old Miller’s only loss was to Daniel Dubois, and after that he boxed Andy Ruiz to a draw and defeated Kingsley Ibeh via split decision. With his victory, Miller of North Bellmore, New York, is the mandatory challenger for the WBA heavyweight title.
Post-fight, promoter Eddie Hearn said he’d like to see Miller take on Deontay Wilder in June or July in New York, either at Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Center.
So what is next for Miller?
5. Moses Itauma
Record: 14-0 (12 KO)
Chances of happening: 5 per cent
Level of excitement: 6/10
A very good puncher, who is taking the world by storm with his brilliant knockouts over quality opponents. Itauma will need options as he moves through the ranks, and this could be a good one. He is also the WBA’s no. 1 and Pero was their No. 2.
4. Nelson Hysa
Record: 24-0 (22 KOs)
Chances of happening: 10 per cent
Level of excitement: 4/10
Hysa isn’t a big name, but he is ranked No.3 in the WBA rankings and has established a good record. Though mostly unproven at the elite level, this is the type of step-up bout he could find himself in.
3. Oleksandr Usyk
Record: 24-0 (15 KOs)
Chances of happening: 15 per cent
Level of excitement: 4/10
Usyk, who takes on Rico Verhoeven later this month, has accomplished it all and holds three of the four heavyweight titles. At this point, one might assume he is targeting big fights only, but he could defend his title one more time if he chooses to.
2. Murat Gassiev
Record: 33-2 (26 KOs)
Chances of happening: 30 per cent
Level of excitement: 5/10
Gassiev has a secondary WBA heavyweight title, but the sentiment seems to be that his best is behind him. A talented cruiserweight, Gassiev has moved up in weight, winning all of his fights except a loss to Otto Wallin. It would be a chance for Gassiev to solidify himself as a top heavyweight, and for the winner to prove they could replace him.
1. Anthony Joshua
Record: 29-4 (26 KOs)
Chances of happening: 40 per cent
Level of excitement: 8/10
Joshua is rumored to fight in July in a “tune-up” type bout. At Joshua’s level, he would still be required to fight a world-ranked top contender. Miller and Joshua have history dating back to 2019…
2026-04-26 15:30:00
