Jarrell Miller may soon find himself standing opposite Murat Gassiev for a WBA heavyweight world championship bout. While the governing body recently clarified that Miller does not currently hold the status of a mandatory challenger for Gassiev—contrary to earlier announcements—the 38‑year‑old American remains determined to secure a title opportunity against the Russian titleholder.
Miller told Sky Sports that a WBA title fight could be on the horizon after his convincing points victory over Cuban opponent Lenier Pero in April. Gassiev, for his part, confirmed his openness to a showdown with Miller.
"If an offer comes in concerning Jarrell Miller, we are definitely interested," the champion said. He added that if Moses Itauma chooses to pursue the IBF route, Miller would automatically become an official contender for the WBA belt, making a clash between the two inevitable. Gassiev also expressed a strong desire to meet WBC champion Agit Kabayel, noting that a concrete agreement could lead to a unification bout.
"It all hinges on the details – the financial package, the timing, the venue – we are targeting fights that make sense both for our pockets and our career trajectories," he explained. At present, Moses Itauma holds the WBA’s No. 1 contender spot.
The unbeaten British fighter is slated to face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title on August 19, a contest that should push Miller—ranked No. 2 by the WBA—into the next position on Gassiev’s list of challengers.
Miller, nicknamed "Big Baby," captured headlines in January when he edged Kingsley Ibeh by split decision. The fight went viral after Miller’s hairpiece slipped off in the second round, adding a touch of spectacle to an already dramatic bout. This victory, combined with his recent win over Pero, has reignited discussions about his long‑awaited chance at a world heavyweight crown. The prospect of a title shot is especially poignant for Miller, who has been waiting over seven years for an opportunity that slipped away in 2019.
He was originally booked to fight Anthony Joshua for the WBA, IBF and WBO belts, but the match was canceled after Miller tested positive for prohibited substances. Since then, his career has been a roller‑coaster of setbacks and comebacks, making any potential title fight all the more significant. Murat Gassiev, who was elevated to WBA heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his WBA, WBC and IBF titles in June, has been busy defending his claim. He secured a sixth‑round stoppage of Peter Kadiru in Moscow last month, demonstrating his power and readiness to add more belts to his collection.
When asked about his future plans, Gassiev emphasized that his ambitions extend beyond a single opponent. "It’s not just about Kabayel. I want any unification bout that’s available," he said. He also noted that defending his title against a mandatory challenger would be a logical next step, but his ultimate goal remains a unification clash that could involve the winners of Dubois vs.
Wardley for the WBO belt or Itauma vs. Hrgovic for the IBF.
The heavyweight division’s calendar for 2026 is already shaping up with several high‑profile matchups, and a Miller‑Gassiev encounter would add another marquee event to the lineup. Fans and promoters alike are watching closely to see whether the negotiations will materialize into a contract. Factors such as purse splits, fight location, and broadcast rights will play a crucial role in finalizing the deal. If Miller does secure the fight, it would mark a redemption arc that began with his aborted 2019 showdown against Joshua.
A successful performance against Gassiev could catapult him back into the elite tier of heavyweight contenders and possibly set up further unification opportunities. Conversely, a loss would likely relegate him to the periphery of title contention, though his marketability and fan appeal would still keep him in the conversation for future bouts. In summary, while Miller is not officially a mandatory challenger at this moment, the convergence of recent wins, Gassiev’s expressed interest, and the shifting landscape of heavyweight contenders make a title fight between the two a realistic possibility.
The boxing world will be waiting for the official offer, the terms of the agreement, and ultimately, the night when "Big Baby" steps into the ring with the reigning WBA champion to determine who will hold the heavyweight crown.