Jarrell Miller appears to be edging closer to a chance at a WBA world heavyweight championship bout against the current titleholder, Murat Gassiev. While the governing body recently clarified that Miller is not officially listed as Gassiev's mandatory challenger—a status that had been announced in error—the 38‑year‑old American remains eager to secure a fight for the Russian champion's belt.

Miller told Sky Sports that a WBA title opportunity could be on the horizon after he earned a points victory over Cuban opponent Lenier Pero in April. Gassiev, for his part, has signaled openness to the prospect, stating, "Yes, if there is an offer regarding Jarrell Miller, we are of course interested." He added that the fight could become inevitable if fellow contender Moses Itauma chooses to follow the IBF pathway, which would elevate Miller to the position of an official challenger for Gassiev's WBA title.

The champion also expressed a strong desire for a unification bout, mentioning his interest in facing 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 said.

He emphasized that any future match would hinge on the details—financial terms, timing, venue, and overall strategic fit for his career. At present, Moses Itauma holds the WBA's number‑one contender spot, but he is slated to fight Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight crown on August 19.

Should that bout proceed as planned, Miller, who sits at No. 2 on the WBA rankings, would logically move into the next position in line to challenge Gassiev. Miller, known by the nickname "Big Baby," gained a measure of notoriety in January when he won a split‑decision victory over Kingsley Ibeh. The fight went viral after Miller's hairpiece slipped off in the second round, adding a quirky footnote to his otherwise serious boxing résumé.

The Brooklyn‑born fighter has been waiting for a world‑title opportunity for more than seven years, a delay that dates back to a cancelled 2019 showdown with Anthony Joshua. That fight was called off after Miller tested positive for prohibited substances, a setback that has lingered over his career. Gassiev, who was elevated to WBA heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his titles in June, defended his belt with a sixth‑round stoppage of Peter Kadiru in Moscow last month. The 32‑year‑old champion is now actively seeking additional world titles to cement his legacy.

"It's not just about Kabayel. To put it simply, I want any unification bout available," he told Sky Sports.

He also acknowledged that a mandatory defense could become a priority, noting, "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." Gassiev's ultimate ambition remains a unification fight, whether against the winner of the Dubois versus Wardley clash for the WBO belt or the victor of the Itauma‑Hrgovic contest.

"We are genuinely interested in any available unification fights," he affirmed. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 is already filling up with high‑profile matchups, and fans are eager to see how the heavyweight division will shape up.

Streaming platforms such as NOW are offering contract‑free access to live bouts, while podcasts like Toe2Toe provide weekly analysis and commentary. For those who enjoy highlights and recaps, dedicated video channels are recommending the use of Chrome for the best viewing experience.

In summary, while Miller is not yet a mandatory challenger, his recent win and Gassiev's expressed interest keep the possibility of a title fight alive. Should the upcoming IBF bout between Itauma and Hrgovic proceed, Miller's position as the next in line could be solidified, potentially setting the stage for a high‑stakes clash between the American "Big Baby" and the Russian champion.

The outcome of these negotiations will depend heavily on the financial terms, timing, and venue—factors that both camps are carefully weighing as they aim to deliver a compelling bout for the heavyweight division and its global audience.