The tensions are already rising out in Saudi Arabia and, following a heated exchange, Anthony Joshua has told Jarrell Miller who he should fight rather than pursuing him.
Joshua and Miller have history that goes back to an ill-fated fight in 2019 when the Brit was due to make his stateside debut at Madison Square Garden. Miller failed drug tests in the immediate run-up to the fight and so in stepped Andy Ruiz Jr as a last-minute replacement.
He upset the odds and stopped Joshua in dramatic fashion, but the war of words with Miller has been reignited this week.
‘Big Baby’ is due to fight on the same card as ‘AJ’ this weekend. He faces fringe hard-hitting Daniel Dubois while the former two-time heavyweight world champion has Swedish southpaw Otto Wallin to contend with.
The pair came head to head recently and TNT Sports Boxing asked Joshua his views on Miller, who has had a win over Lucas Browne since coming back from his drugs ban.
“He’s drug cheat.”
He was then asked if he would ever face him in the ring and was quite sure on his answer, instead advising Miller to take on another man.
“No. At no point. No. Him and Dillian [Whyte] would make a good fight'”
Joshua is likely matching the pair up because Dillian Whyte also tested positive for a banned substance in the lead-up to a their rematch. Joshua had to content with another late replacement in Robert Helenius, who he stopped in seven rounds.
White has been silent on the matter since, likely working with lawyers in the background. Promoter Eddie Hearn believes there may be some news on the matter soon.
Whether or not Joshua could be tempted into a fight with Miller further down the line will all depend on if both men come through victorious this weekend.