Jarrell Miller is reportedly in negotiations to challenge Murat Gassiev for the WBA heavyweight title, according to Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.
Gassiev became the sole WBA heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his belts in June, ending the sanctioning body’s split between its “super” and “regular” champions.
The 32-year-old then retained his championship status by stopping late replacement Peter Kadiru in the sixth round after Tony Yoka withdrew through injury.
Gassiev has spoken about pursuing a unification fight, but Hearn says he may first have to deal with Miller. The American had previously been mistakenly identified by the WBA as its mandatory challenger while Moses Itauma actually held the leading position in the rankings.
With Itauma now scheduled to face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight title, Miller could move into position for the WBA opportunity after all.
“There’s a little bit of confusion with the WBA belt,” Hearn said. “Gassiev is the champion. He’s got to fight Jarrell Miller, our guy, which we’re negotiating at the moment.”
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