Jarrell Miller may soon find himself on a WBA world heavyweight title card against the Russian champion Murat Gassiev. Recent statements from the governing body have clarified that Miller is not officially listed as a mandatory challenger for Gassiev, despite earlier reports that suggested otherwise.
Nevertheless, the 38‑year‑old American still believes a world title opportunity is within reach and is actively pursuing it. Miller told Sky Sports that a WBA title bout could be the next step in his comeback after he secured a points victory over Cuban contender Lenier Pero in April.
Gassiev, who holds the WBA heavyweight crown, also indicated his openness to a fight with Miller. "If an offer comes in for Jarrell Miller, we are certainly interested," Gassiev said. He added that if Moses Itauma decides to chase the IBF version of the title, Miller would automatically become an official contender for Gassiev’s WBA belt, making the matchup virtually inevitable. The Russian champion also expressed a desire to unify his belt with the WBC champion Agit Kabayel, saying that a concrete agreement could lead to a unification bout.
"It all comes down to the specifics – the offer, the terms, the timing, and the venue. We want fights that make sense financially and help our careers," Gassiev explained. Currently, Moses Itauma sits at the top of the WBA heavyweight rankings as the No. 1 contender.
He is slated to face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF title on August 19, a fight that will likely push Miller, who is ranked No. 2 by the WBA, into the next position in line for a shot at Gassiev. Miller, often referred to by his nickname "Big Baby," gained viral attention in January when he won a split‑decision over Kingsley Ibeh, a bout that was highlighted by the accidental loss of his hairpiece in the second round.
If all goes as expected, Miller could finally step into a world‑title fight more than seven years after his highly anticipated 2019 showdown with Anthony Joshua was cancelled because Miller tested positive for prohibited substances. That cancellation derailed what many saw as a career‑defining moment for the Brooklyn native. Gassiev himself became the WBA heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title, along with his WBC and IBF belts, in June. The 32‑year‑old Russian defended his newly acquired WBA crown with a sixth‑round stoppage of Peter Kadiru in Moscow last month and now appears eager to add more belts to his collection.
"It’s not just about Kabayel. I want any unification bout that’s available," Gassiev told Sky Sports. He also noted that a mandatory defense could be a logical next step, stating, "If defending my WBA title against a mandatory challenger becomes the immediate priority, that would be an excellent matchup for me and for all boxing fans.
In that scenario, we will gladly fulfill our mandatory obligations." However, Gassiev reiterated that his ultimate aim remains a unification fight, whether that involves the winner of the Dubois vs. Wardley clash for the WBO belt or the outcome of the Itauma vs. Hrgovic contest. "We are genuinely interested in any available unification fights," he said.
The heavyweight division’s calendar for 2026 is already filling with high‑profile bouts, and fans are eager to see how the various title pictures will intersect. Miller’s pursuit of a world title adds another layer of intrigue, especially given his controversial past and the public’s fascination with his larger‑than‑life personality.
Should a deal be struck, a Miller‑Gassiev showdown would likely draw significant attention, pitting Miller’s power and size against Gassiev’s technical skill and experience. Meanwhile, the broader boxing landscape continues to evolve. Streaming platforms like NOW are offering contract‑free options for fans, and podcasts such as Toe2Toe are delivering weekly insights into the sport.
Boxing highlights and video content remain in high demand, with many viewers advised to use Chrome for the best video playback experience. In summary, while Miller is not formally a mandatory challenger, the circumstances surrounding the WBA rankings, Gassiev’s willingness to negotiate, and the upcoming fights involving other top contenders create a plausible pathway for Miller to earn a world heavyweight title shot in the near future.
The next few months will be crucial in determining whether the "Big Baby" finally gets his long‑awaited chance at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.