Matchroom Boxing is negotiating a deal for heavyweight Jarrell Miller to challenge WBA champion Murat Gassiev. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed active talks are underway, offering 38-year-old Miller a direct route to a world title late in his career.
Miller recently signed with Matchroom to revive his career following years away from elite title contention. His original championship opportunity slipped away in 2019, when a scheduled bout against Anthony Joshua was canceled after Miller failed multiple pre-fight drug tests. Since his return, the American heavy-hitter has proved to be a difficult opponent for anyone in the ring. He relies on his immense physical size, constant forward pressure, and high punch rate to wear down opponents over the distance.
Gassiev previously established himself as a unified cruiserweight champion before moving up to the heavyweight class. The Russian possesses formidable knockout power, but his progress has moved slowly due to lingering health issues and long periods of inactivity. As a result, he has struggled to build the same commanding position at heavyweight that he enjoyed at 200 pounds.
Matchroom promoter Hearn outlined the current state of the division and confirmed that talks are actively progressing.
He stated: “There’s a little bit of confusion with the WBA. I mean, Gassiev’s the champion. He’s got to fight Jarrell Miller, our guy, which we’re negotiating at the moment,”
This match gives Miller an immediate title shot, bypassing the need for a long sequence of elimination fights.
Hearn is already mapping out future opponents should Miller pull off the victory against the WBA belt holder.
He stated: “Hopefully Jarrell Miller can beat Gassiev. We can do Miller against Kabayel. There’s loads of fights to be made,”
Linking Miller with Agit Kabayel highlights the potential for major matchups if the American secures the belt.
Contract terms are not yet finalized. Still, both sides are working toward an agreement.
At 38 years old, Miller has little time to spare in his pursuit of a major championship belt. Defeating Gassiev would provide a second chance at world title honors, completing his return to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
