Jarrell Miller set for boxing return in July after serving drug ban as disgraced heavyweights watch Anthony Joshua fight

JARRELL MILLER could be back in the ring by July after serving his last drug ban – and still has his eye on Anthony Joshua.

The disgraced heavyweight is serving a two-year backdated suspension from December 2020.

A five-member Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) panel voted unanimously to keep Miller under suspension until June 16, 2022.

But commissioner Anthony A Marnell III proposed the American could become immediately eligible for a license from June 17.

Miller will, however, have to provide negative drug tests through a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) random drug testing program.

And that could pave the way for the return of the former candidate this summer.

Promoter Dmitry Salita told the Daily mail: “Pending the authorization of the Commission, we would like it to be the end of June.

“End of June or beginning of July – as soon as possible. He has trained, he is fit.

“As soon as the Commission allows him to get a license and as soon as we find him a suitable date and TV partner to work with, he will be back in the ring.”

Miller was handed a 24-month backdated ban for testing positive for the banned substance GW501516 – also known as cardarine and endurobol – ahead of his scheduled July 9 fight with Jerry Forrest.

He was offered the chance to have a six-month discount by complying with random drug testing conditions – having to submit at least two random drug tests per month for six consecutive months.

But Miller, who hasn’t fought since November 2018, couldn’t afford the testing program.

NSAC Executive Director Jeffrey Mullen was prepared to deny Miller’s request for a twelve-week reduction based on his past drug testing violations.

Miller tested positive for a banned substance at a June 2014 kickboxing event in California and was suspended for nine months.

But his most high-profile controversy came ahead of his proposed June 2019 unified heavyweight title fight with Anthony Joshua in New York.

Miller then failed three VADA tests and was replaced by Andy Ruiz Jr, 32, who knocked out AJ but lost the rematch six months later.

I think Jarrell would be ready for Joshua in his next fight, honestly.

Promoter Dmitry Salita

He was then due to return in 2020 after signing with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable until he met his final drug test disgrace.

Miller has continued to train ever since and was just brought in by 33-year-old Tyson Fury as a training partner to breed 33-year-old Dillian Whyte.

Salita still sees Fury as a potential opponent for the ex-kickboxer.

He said: “I would like them to fight down the line for sure.

“With their personalities, this would be one of the most fun and exciting promotions in boxing.

“Let’s take it one step at a time. Jarrell, at his best, has the skills to beat anyone in the heavyweight division.

“But now is not the time to talk about them fighting.”

Salita added: “I think Jarrell is ready for Joshua – he just needs a fight to break a sweat and get the feeling back.

“I think Jarrell would be ready for Joshua in his next fight, honestly.”

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