Jarrell Miller aims to challenge Murat Gassiev for WBA heavyweight belt; Miller could finally receive world title fight following cancelled clash against Anthony Joshua after American tested positive for banned substances in 2019; WBA champion Gassiev is 'interested' in fighting Miller
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Jarrell Miller could receive a a WBA world heavyweight title fight against Murat Gassiev.
The WBA recently clarified that Miller is not a mandatory challenger for Gassiev, despite initially announcing this status, but the 38-year-old American still hopes to receive a world title fight against the Russian champion.
Miller confirmed to Sky Sports that a WBA title shot could be next after his points win over Cuban Lenier Pero in April and Gassiev has also revealed that he is open to the fight.
"Yes, if there is an offer regarding Jarrell Miller, we are of course interested," Gassiev told Sky Sports.
"Furthermore, if Moses Itauma decides to pursue the IBF route, Jarrell Miller will become an official contender for my WBA title, making the fight inevitable for me.
"We are also highly interested in a fight with [WBC champion] Agit Kabayel. If a concrete agreement is reached and this fight begins to materialise, I would gladly sign up for a unification bout.
"It all comes down to the specifics - the offer, the terms, the timing, and the venue. We are targeting fights that make sense both financially and for my career progression."
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Moses Itauma is the current WBA No 1 contender, but the unbeaten Brit will fight Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF belt on August 19, which should mean that Miller, ranked at No 2 by the WBA, is next in line for Gassiev.
The controversial Brooklyn boxer, nicknamed 'Big Baby', defeated Kingsley Ibeh by split decision in a January fight that went viral after Miller's hairpiece was dislodged in the second round.
Miller could finally receive a shot at a world heavyweight title, more than seven years after his scheduled 2019 fight against Anthony Joshua for the WBA, IBF and WBO titles was cancelled after Miller tested positive for banned substances.
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