Tag: Big Baby

Heavyweights Carlos Takam and Jerry Forrest to be featured Tuesday evening

Heavyweight Carlos Takam is scheduled to face Jerry Forrest in the 10-round main event Thursday in the MGM Grand bubble in Las Vegas.

The heavyweights will be featured for the first time in the Top Rank Boxing on ESPN summer series Thursday.

Longtime contender Carlos Takam of Cameroon is scheduled to face Jerry Forrest of Newport News, Virginia in the 10-round main event in the tightly controlled MGM Grand bubble in Las Vegas.

Forrest (26-3, 20 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Jarrell Miller in “Big Baby’s” comeback fight but Miller tested positive for a banned substance and was pulled from the card.

Takam (38-5-1, 28 KOs) has faced many big-name heavyweights but the 39-year-old, who built his career in France but now lives in Las Vegas, has generally come up short in his biggest fights. He has lost to Alexander Povetkin, Joseph Parker, Anthony Joshua (in a title fight) and Derek Chisora since 2014.

Heavyweights Carlos Takam (left) and Jerry Forrest will fight in the main event Thursday on ESPN. Mikey Williams / Top Rank

He hasn’t been in a notable fight since the Chisora bout, which was in July 2018. He has beaten three journeymen since then.

If nothing else, Takam seems to have been serious about his training. He weighed in Monday at 245.7, his lightest weight since the Joshua fight in October 2017. Forrest weighed 225.6.

Forrest (26-3, 20 KOs) is far removed from his biggest fights, losses to Gerald Washington and Michael Hunter in 2013 and 2014.

He won 18 consecutive fights against journeymen after the Hunter loss before losing a split decision to unbeaten Jermaine Franklin in July of last year. He bounced back to win his most recent fight, a second-round knockout of Martez Williamson in September.

Other fighters on the card weighed in as follows:

  • Carlos Castro (25-0, 10 KOs) 123.8 vs. Cesar Juarez (25-8, 19 KOs) 124.4, 10 rounds
  • Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) 130.8 vs. Joshua Orta (6-0, 2 KOs) 132.7, six rounds
  • Fred Wilson Jr. (6-0-2, 2 KOs) 159 vs. Donte Stubbs (6-1, 2 KOs) 159.5, six rounds
  • Peter Cortez (2-1, 1 KO) 147.5 vs. Corey Champion (1-3, 1 KO) 147.6, four rounds

 

Jarrell Miller denies ‘willingly’ taking banned substance

Jarrell Miller insists he has never “willingly” taken a performance-enhancing drug even though he reportedly failed another test.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on SportingNews.com.

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Jarrell Miller insists he has never “willingly” taken a performance-enhancing drug even though he reportedly failed another test.

The unbeaten heavyweight was scheduled to fight Jerry Forrest on July 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas but was removed from the card amid reports he tested positive for a banned substance.

Miller admitted he “messed up” after missing out on facing Anthony Joshua in June of last year after testing positive for three banned drugs.

Speaking to Fight Network, the Brooklyn native revealed he and his team are investigating the current situation.

“This is something that was ingested,” Miller said. “We don’t know if it was contaminated, but we’re investigating as of right now. Me and my team are just working due diligently to get the facts 100 percent straight.”

Asked toward the end of the YouTube interview whether he had ever knowingly taken performance-enhancing drugs, Miller replied: “No, I have never ever willingly taken a steroid for performance-enhancement purposes. No.

“Did I take something for healing properties, for injury? Yes I have. Before a fight to win a fight and during a training camp? No, I have never done that.”

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that Miller had been “expelled” before the recent positive test for failing to join the governing body’s drug testing program.

He told Sky Sports: “Miller specifically, he was expelled from the WBC, because he failed to enroll in the clean boxing program. Not once, but twice.”

Sulaiman refused to rule out the possibility of Miller fighting for a WBC title in the future, however, saying: “I don’t speculate. I don’t like to … what if.

“What I can say is that he’s been out of the WBC picture for three years, because we did not consider him to be eligible for rankings, because he did not enroll in the clean boxing program.

“When he was first ranked. We sent them the documents. He had three months to fill three pieces of paper, and he failed to do so. Then somehow they claimed they didn’t have the papers, so we rang him again and sent them the papers.

“… He didn’t submit twice, so he has been expelled from the WBC for three years.”

Boxing world reacts to Jarrell Miller’s failed drug test

Many in the boxing world are angry over heavyweight Jarrell Miller’s latest failed drug test.

Those in the boxing aren’t shocked that Jarrell Miller failed another drug test but they’re angry.

The former heavyweight contender, set to make his comeback after a PED-related hiatus from boxing, reportedly tested positive for GW1516, one of the drugs in his system when he was busted last year. The substance enhances aerobic power and endurance.

“Big Baby” was scheduled to challenge for Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight titles in June of last year at Madison Square Garden in New York but was pulled from the fight after testing positive for three banned substances over three days. He was replaced by Andy Ruiz Jr., who took Joshua’s belts.

The 31-year-old from Brooklyn received a second chance when he signed with Top Rank, which provided a nice platform on which to make his return. He was scheduled fight Jerry Forrest on July 9 in Las Vegas on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

Carlos Takam reportedly will face Forrest.

Here are some reactions from the boxing world.

Miller’s co-promoter Dmitry Salita told Sky Sports: “I am disappointed. I was looking forward to July 9th and Jarrell’s return to the ring. This news is shocking to me as well.”

Carl Frampton, former two-division titleholder, Tweeted: “If this disgraceful human being doesn’t get banned for life, the sport that I love is an absolute joke!”

Steve Kim, ESPN.com Tweeted: “I liked Jarrell Miller, got to know him well calling his fights on CBS Sports. But he is, what he is. A cheater (one that should be given a lifetime ban). As @VictorConte once said, ‘the first thing you become when you start using PED’s — is a liar.”

Dan Canobbio of CompuBox Tweeted: “Jarrell Miller is Top 3 in both punches thrown per round (63) and punches landed per round (21) for heavyweights. Many wondered how a man that size could be so active. We are reminded once again how and why.”

Boxing writer Dan Rafael Tweeted: “I just can’t get over Jarrell “Big Dummy” Miller failing yet another drug test & for one of the same substances he got busted for taking last year that cost him AJ title shot no less. How stupid is he? I expect a license revocation by NSAC. Anything less is dereliction of duty.

“Big Dummy” Miller never really owned last year’s failed tests. When he came to Vegas for a Fury fight and did some interviews couldn’t keep story straight, wouldn’t admit to number of failed tests & other basics. Wouldn’t answer how long he’d used, where he got the PEDs from.”

Anthony Crolla, former lightweight titleholder, told talkSPORT: “Performance enhancing drugs in a sport like boxing are dangerous. … I think they should carry some kind of prison sentence. You know, God forbid the opponent on the receiving end takes ill.”

Errol Spence Jr. Tweeted: “He need to become a bouncer or body guard take the L out of Lover brotha.”

Lou DiBella, promoter of Jerry Forrest, told BoxingScene.com? “Do I think he should be suspended for life? Honestly, he doesn’t belong in boxing right now. And if it’s not a lifetime ban, it should be a very substantial ban. It should be something like three years. It should be something where a major message is sent. I’m not gonna say it has to be a lifetime ban.

“Part of the reason I’m not gonna say it should be a lifetime ban is because I think there’s something wrong with this kid. I know him forever and I just can’t bring myself to dislike him. I’ve always sort of liked him. But there’s some sort of psychological compulsion, where there’s something in his psyche that’s really f—ed up. It’s gotta be a very, very stringent penalty.

 

 

 

 

 

Lou DiBella believes Jarrell Miller deserves stiff punishment

Promoter Lou DiBella believes boxing should send a “major message” in the wake of Jarrell Miller’s latest positive drug test.

Promoter Lou DiBella believes boxing should send a “major message” in the wake of Jarrell Miller’s latest positive drug test.

Miller was set to make his comeback from a PED-related hiatus from the sport against Jerry Forrest, DiBella’s fighter, on July 9 in Las Vegas. However, he has tested positive again and the fight is off.

“Big Baby” failed three drug tests two-plus months before his scheduled title fight against Anthony Joshua in June of last year at Madison Square Garden, after which he was dropped from the card. He wasn’t suspended because he had yet to be licensed by New York. Still, his career was in shambles.

He has now failed five drug tests if you count one during his kick boxing career in 2014. He hasn’t fought since November 2018.

BoxingScene.com reported that Miller is not licensed in Nevada but officials in that state will treat him as such because he had submitted all necessary paperwork.

DiBella doesn’t believe Miller can be banned for life because he wasn’t suspended but he told BoxingScene.com that the powers that be must hand down a stiff penalty.

“The first time he tested positive, he wasn’t in boxing,” DiBella said. “The time he tested positive for everything [before the Joshua fight], no one suspended him. So, I think it’s gonna get into legalities, also. For everything that happened [before the Joshua fight], because of a technicality he wasn’t suspended. Now, that being said, do I think he should be suspended for life? Honestly, he doesn’t belong in boxing right now.

“And if it’s not a lifetime ban, it should be a very substantial ban. It should be something like three years. It should be something where a major message is sent. I’m not gonna say it has to be a lifetime ban. Part of the reason I’m not gonna say it should be a lifetime ban is because I think there’s something wrong with this kid. I know him forever and I just can’t bring myself to dislike him. I’ve always sort of liked him.

“But there’s some sort of psychological compulsion, where there’s something in his psyche that’s really f—ed up. It’s gotta be a very, very stringent penalty. I’m not necessarily gonna scream lifetime, but I can tell you, as a lawyer, the fact that he was not suspended by any state for what happened [before] the Joshua fight may make it difficult for them to issue a lifetime suspension.

“Three years for an athlete is an extraordinary amount of time. And that kind of suspension would not trouble me.”

DiBella feels the powers that be in boxing failed both his fighter and Miller by not requiring him to undergo year-round testing after his failed tests last year. He also said he’s not surprised that Miller failed another drug test.

Miller reportedly tested positive for GW1516, one of the drugs in his system when he was busted last year. The substance enhances aerobic power and endurance.

“I knew he was dirty,” DiBella told BoxingScene.com. “I just instinctively knew. But you know what? I’ve gotta be honest … I am mad at boxing. And it’s my industry, so I’m not eliminating myself when I say boxing. I’m mad at our industry because the kid is a troubled person and we didn’t do him any favors by not enforcing any normal protocols.

“When he blew that heavyweight title fight at The Garden, it was incumbent upon on some commission or the Association of Boxing Commissions or the ratings organizations or whoever to say, ‘You’re not fighting again unless you go into the 365-day-a-year testing.’ Legally, they felt they couldn’t suspend him. But they at least could’ve compelled him to be tested.

“At least that might’ve smoked this out when he didn’t have a fight scheduled. Or it might’ve kept him honest. This way, he has no reason to stay honest.”

Seriously? Jarrell Miller fails another drug test, comeback bout off

Heavyweight Jarrell Miller, set to make his comeback after a PED-related hiatus from boxing, reportedly has tested positive for, yes, PEDs.

This falls into the category of, “you gotta be kidding.”

Heavyweight Jarrell Miller, set to make his comeback after a PED-related hiatus from boxing, reportedly has tested positive for … yes … PEDs, The Athletic reported. His fight against Jerry Forrest on July 9 in Las Vegas is off.

“Big Baby” was scheduled to challenge for Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight titles in June of last year at Madison Square Garden in New York but was pulled from the fight after testing positive for three banned substances over three days. He was replaced by Andy Ruiz Jr., who took Joshua’s belts.

Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs) hasn’t fought since November 2018.

The 31-year-old from Brooklyn received a second chance when he was granted a license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and signed with Top Rank, which provided a nice platform on which to make his return. The July 9 card will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

And then comes news of his positive test. He reportedly tested positive for GW1516, one of the drugs in his system when he was busted last year. The substance enhances aerobic power and endurance.

“We are aware of the situation,” Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti told The Athletic. “He will be placed on temporary suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Monday morning. We are currently filling the main event [for] July 9.”

Miller also tested positive for a banned substance when he was a kickboxer in 2014.

Have we seen the last of him in a boxing ring?

Video: Ak & Barak: Can Jarrell Miller pick up where in left off in 2018?

In this episode of The Ak & Barak Show, hosts Akin Reyes and Barak Bess discuss whether Jarrell Miller can pick up where he left off.

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller was set to challenge heavyweight titleholder Anthony Joshua in June of last year when the bottom fell out of his career.

Miller tested positive for multiple banned substances, which cost him the fight of his life and a lot more. He was suspended and hasn’t fought since November 2018.

Well, Miller is back. He has signed with Top Rank and reportedly is scheduled to fight Jerry Forrest on July 9 in a MGM Grand ballroom in Las Vegas. The fight will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

In this episode of The Ak & Barak Show, courtesy of DAZN, hosts Akin Reyes and Barak Bess discuss whether Miller can pick up where he left off more than a year and a half ago.

The Ak & Barak Show is available on DAZN and Sirius XM Fight Nation, Channel 156.

[jwplayer feebdQeq]

 

Jarrell Miller receives license, to headline July 9 Top Rank card

Jarrell Miller has received his boxing license in Nevada and is scheduled to headline the July 9 Top Rank show in Las Vegas on ESPN.

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is back.

The former heavyweight contender has received his boxing license in Nevada and is scheduled to headline the July 9 Top Rank show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on ESPN, BoxingScene.com is reporting. An opponent hasn’t been announced.

Miller’s career came to a abrupt halt last year, when he was scheduled to challenge for Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight titles on June 1 at Madison Square Garden only to test positive for multiple banned substances. He was subsequently suspended.

And Ruiz Jr. stepped in at the last minute to replace Miller and made history by stopping Joshua.

Miller, who hasn’t fought since he stopped Bogdan Dinu in four rounds in November 2018, signed with Top Rank in January. He’s also affiliated with Greg Cohen Promotions and Salita Promotions.

“Minor setback for a major comeback,’’ Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs) said in a release announcing the deal. “I’m coming for everything and everyone. No one is safe. Say hello to the bad guy.

“Everyone wants to portray the superhero. We don’t live in a sunshine world. I’ll never be the superhero. In my world, the majority of the time, the villain wins.”

Bob Arum of Top Rank obviously believes in the 31-year-old from Brooklyn.

“Jarrell Miller is serious about coming back, doing things the right way and becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” Arum said. “He is one of boxing’s most unique and exciting characters, but most importantly, he can fight.”

July 9 in a Thursday. Two days earlier, Ivan Baranchyk is scheduled to face Jose Zepeda in a 10-round junior welterweight fight on ESPN.

 

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Jarrell Miller signs multi-fight deal with Top Rank

Jarrell Miller co-promoter Greg Cohen sentenced to prison for wire fraud

Jarrell Miller signs multi-fight deal with Top Rank

Heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller has signed a multi-fight deal with Top Rank, it was announced Wednesday.

Jarrell Miller’s next move wasn’t a big secret. But it’s official. The heavyweight who calls himself Big Baby signed a multi-fight deal with Top Rank, it was announced Wednesday.

Miller, who was rumored to be in talks with Top Rank for months, reached an oral agreement with the promotional entity a couple of weeks ago, according to The Athletic.

The controversial Miller, who hasn’t fought since a stoppage of Bogdan Dinu in November 2018, was supposed to fight Anthony Joshua on June 1 last year but was disqualified when he failed a drug test. Andy Ruiz Jr. stepped in as a late sub and the rest is history. Ruiz stunned Joshua in a huge upset and then Joshua took back his belts on Dec. 7 with a decision over Ruiz in a rematch.

“Minor setback for a major comeback,’’ Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs) said in a release announcing the deal. “I’m coming for everything and everyone. No one is safe. Say hello to the bad guy.

“Everyone wants to portray the superhero. We don’t live in a sunshine world. I’ll never be the superhero. In my world, the majority of the time, the villain wins.”

The Big Villain, all 300-plus pounds of him, gives Top Rank another heavyweight in a division that has been heating up as it awaits the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder rematch on Feb 22 on ESPN/Fox pay-per-view at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. Top Rank co-promotes Fury

Miller’s Top Rank deal comes about a month after his co-promoter, Greg Cohen, was sentenced in New York to six months in federal prison for wire fraud involving a loan for a stock investment.

Cohen’s sentence also includes three years under supervised release and 150 hours of community service. Cohen, who co-promotes Miller with Dmitriy Salita, was quoted in the Top Rank release.

“I couldn’t be happier that after months of hard work and perseverance, we were able to make this deal a reality,” Cohen said. “Top Rank is the perfect partner and ESPN the perfect platform for Jarrell to realize his full potential and become the dominant force in the heavyweight division. Time for Big Baby to get back in the ring!”

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum was optimistic about Miller and his chances of playing a serious role in the heavyweight division.

“Jarrell Miller is serious about coming back, doing things the right way and becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” Arum said. “He is one of boxing’s most unique and exciting characters, but most importantly, he can fight.”