Jarrell Miller may soon find himself in contention for a WBA heavyweight world title bout against current champion Murat Gassiev. Although the governing body has recently clarified that Miller does not hold the status of a mandatory challenger – a position that was previously suggested in earlier announcements – the 38‑year‑old American remains optimistic about securing a championship opportunity against the Russian title‑holder. Miller told Sky Sports that a WBA title fight could be on the horizon after he earned a unanimous points victory over Cuban opponent Lenier Pero in April. Gassiev, for his part, has signaled openness to the idea, indicating that he would consider a matchup with the Brooklyn‑based fighter.
"Yes, if there is an offer regarding Jarrell Miller, we are of course interested," Gassiev said during his interview with 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." He added that he is also keen on a potential clash with the 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," Gassiev explained. "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." At present, the WBA’s No. 1 contender slot is occupied by Moses Itauma, an unbeaten British fighter who is scheduled to face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight championship on August 19. Should that fight go ahead as planned, the next in line for a mandatory challenge against Gassiev would be Miller, who sits at No. 2 on the WBA rankings.
Miller, known by the nickname "Big Baby," gained considerable attention earlier this year when he won a split‑decision victory over Kingsley Ibeh in a January bout that went viral after his hairpiece was knocked off in the second round. The incident, while humorous, underscored the fighter’s resilience and his ability to stay focused under unusual circumstances. If Miller does secure a title shot, it would mark a significant milestone in his career, arriving more than seven years after his previously scheduled clash with Anthony Joshua in 2019 was abruptly cancelled.
That fight, which would have been for the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, was called off after Miller tested positive for prohibited substances, a setback that has lingered over his professional narrative. Murat Gassiev, meanwhile, was elevated to the WBA heavyweight championship after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his WBA, WBC and IBF titles in June. The 32‑year‑old Russian defended his newly acquired crown with a decisive sixth‑round stoppage of Peter Kadiru in Moscow last month, a performance that demonstrated his power and readiness to pursue further unification.
"It's not just about Kabayel. To put it simply, I want any unification bout available," Gassiev told Sky Sports.
"However, if defending my WBA title against a mandatory challenger becomes the immediate priority, that would be an excellent matchup for me and all boxing fans. In that scenario, we will gladly fulfil our mandatory obligations.
That said, our ultimate goal remains a unification fight. The same applies to the winner of Dubois vs Wardley [for the WBO belt] or Itauma vs Hrgovic.
We are genuinely interested in any available unification fights." The heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux, with several high‑profile fights on the calendar for 2026. Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of match‑ups such as Dubois versus Wardley for the WBO title, as well as the IBF showdown between Itauma and Hrgovic. Each of these contests could reshape the hierarchy and open new pathways for fighters like Miller to step into the spotlight. For Miller, the path forward hinges on a combination of factors: the resolution of the mandatory challenger hierarchy, the willingness of Gassiev’s camp to negotiate terms that satisfy both parties, and the broader landscape of heavyweight unification.
Should Moses Itauma elect to chase the IBF title instead of remaining in the WBA line, Miller would automatically ascend to the position of official contender for Gassiev’s belt, effectively making a title fight inevitable. Beyond the immediate logistics, Miller’s potential title challenge carries symbolic weight. It would represent a redemption arc for a boxer whose career has been marred by controversy and missed opportunities. A successful bid for the championship could not only restore his standing in the sport but also provide a compelling narrative of perseverance and comeback.
The business side of the sport also plays a crucial role. Gassiev emphasized that any fight must make sense financially and align with his career objectives. The heavyweight market remains lucrative, and promoters will be weighing the commercial appeal of a Miller‑Gassiev showdown against other possible unification bouts.
If the numbers add up, and both camps can agree on venue, purse distribution, and broadcast rights, the fight could be set in motion within the next few months. In summary, while the WBA has clarified that Jarrell Miller is not currently a mandatory challenger, the door remains ajar for a world title opportunity.
With Gassiev expressing interest, the potential for a mandatory elevation if Itauma pursues the IBF route, and a heavyweight division ripe for unification, Miller’s quest for the championship is far from over. Boxing enthusiasts will be watching closely as negotiations unfold, hoping to see the "Big Baby" finally step onto the grand stage of a world heavyweight title fight.