When you think about the best young heavyweights in the world, Anthony Joshua (26), Joseph Parker (24), Tyson Fury (27), Deontay Wilder (30) and even Charles Martin (29) come to mind. It’s time to add another name to that list.
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller has battled his way into the top 15 WBA rankings, and he’s a legitimate threat to opponents in the top 10. The 27-year-old from Brooklyn, New York, has compiled a 16-0-1 record with 14 of his wins coming by stoppage.
Miller is massive. He stands 6’4” and has weighed in as high as 286 pounds in his career. While he has the frame to carry weight well above the division’s minimum requirements, he’s probably best fighting between 255 and 260 pounds. The former professional kickboxer turned pro in boxing in 2009, but up until 2014, he was still dabbling in both sports.
Since making a full commitment to boxing, Miller’s stock has soared. His last five wins have all come by knockout. Most recently, Miller won his first bout scheduled for longer than eight rounds. He stopped Donovan Dennis in the seventh round of their January 22 clash.
The win earned Miller the interim WBA-NABA heavyweight title. It also secured him the top-15 ranking. Miller’s personality is as big as his frame. Per Norm Frauenheim of 15Rounds.com, Miller said: “I’d spank Charles Martin. If Charles Martin and Deontay Wilder still have a belt when I get there, then I’ll knock their heads off. I’m looking to get a title shot at the end of the year.”
This bravado is consistent with the persona Miller showed me during an interview in 2015.
Miller called out Joshua, Wladimir Klitschko, Chris Arreola, and took UFC president Dana White to task—all over the course of a 15-minute conversation.
Imagine what the pre-fight hype would look like if he and Tyson Fury were to agree to face each other. That might just be the most epic buildup to a heavyweight fight we’ve seen in the last 15-20 years. Miller still has some work to do if he wants to earn a shot at facing the young heavyweights who have earned a bigger name, but he’s definitely one to watch over the next 18-24 months.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
