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Michael Hunter Emerges as Anthony Joshua’s Most Likely Opponent

As you may have already heard, Anthony Joshua’s June 1 match with Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller at Madison Square Garden is in limbo. Late yesterday (Tuesday, April 16), it was learned that Miller had failed a random drug test administered by representatives of VADA. Big Baby tested positive for GW1516, also known as cardarine and endurobol.
Useful as a weight loss aid, GW1516, among other things, is an endurance enhancer. Users don’t get winded as quickly. It works, notes a report by Australia’s Sports Anti-Doping Agency, by forcing skeletal muscle to use fat rather than carbohydrates as an energy source. In the example sometimes given of a professional cyclist, he or she can become thinner, putting less stress on their conveyance, while maintaining or increasing the leg power required to climb mountains quickly.
Several countries banned GWI516 when it was discovered that it increased the incidence of cancer in laboratory rats. Nonetheless, it is widely available on the Internet.
Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has reportedly stated that the June 1 date is locked in stone, no matter Joshua’s opponent. The thousands of people that would be inconvenienced by a cancellation include members of the Boxing Writers Association of America. The BWAA’s annual awards dinner is always held on the eve of a big fight. This year it’s set for May 31.
Hearn has been in this predicament before. Back in October of 2017, the fight between Joshua and Kubrat Pulev at Cardiff, Wales, evaporated when Pulev was forced to pull out with a torn biceps. By then, 70,000 tickets had been sold. But Hearn had the foresight to have a pinch-hitter in the dugout, so to speak, and the show went off without a hitch with Carlos Takam subbing for Pulev.
With Joshua vs. Miller a shade more than six weeks away, Hearn hadn’t yet formulated a back-up plan. This morning, the Internet was rife with speculation about Joshua’s next opponent, all based on the assumption that Joshua vs. Miller was dead in the water.
One web site reported that there were five potential opponents on Hearn’s short list: Luis Ortiz, Adam Kownacki, Manuel Charr, Kubrat Pulev, and Michael Hunter.
We doubt the veracity of this report. Ortiz and Kownacki are controlled by Al Hayman who hasn’t done business with Eddie Hearn. It’s widely assumed that Kownacki, who trains with Jarrell Miller in Brooklyn, is being groomed for a match with Deontay Wilder. June 1 is presumably too soon for Kubrat Pulev who emerged from his last fight with a bad cut that wouldn’t be fully healed by June 1. Manuel Charr, a 34-year-old German of Syrian and Lebanese descent, holds a second-tier WBA title but is presumably out of the running because of previous PED issues. In September of last year, Charr tested positive for two banned anabolic steroids, scuttling a match with Ossie Oquendo.
That leaves Michael Hunter who recently signed with Hearn’s company, Matchroom Boxing, making him, in our estimation, the overwhelming favorite to step in for Big Baby.
Now 30 years old, Hunter’s lone defeat in 17 pro starts came at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk and Hunter had several good moments in that fight before fading down the stretch. Since then he’s competed as a heavyweight, winning four straight, the last three by stoppage. In his last outing, he was impressive in scoring a ninth round TKO of Alexander Ustinov on an Eddie Hearn promoted show in Monte Carlo. He took that bout on three weeks notice. In his match before that, he upset the previously undefeated Scotch-Congolese prospect Martin Bakole Ilunga in London.
If he were selected to fight Anthony Joshua, Hunter would be at a severe weight disadvantage. However, that would be nothing new. He was outweighed by 43 pounds by Ilunga and by 66 pounds by Ustinov.
Hunter lacks name recognition, but has several “hooks” advantageous to the PR people. A former Olympian, he comes from a fighting family. His late father Mike “The Bounty” Hunter was a heavyweight contender, a noted spoiler with several good wins to his credit. Pop defeated Oliver McCall, among others, and McCall famously went to London and knocked out Lennox Lewis. Michael Hunter, who fights out of Las Vegas, is co-trained by Hasim Rahman who also scored a massive upset over Lennox Lewis.
Conspicuously absent from the dubious short list is Dillian Whyte. If the fans got to vote on Anthony Joshua’s next opponent, Whyte would likely come in third behind Wilder and Tyson Fury. Unlike those two, Whyte doesn’t have a fight scheduled in the near future.
Big Baby Miller is reportedly keeping to his training regimen and there remains a chance, however slim, that Joshua vs. Miller can be salvaged. Tickets for the fight, priced from $106 to $2,506 (plus applicable booking fees), went on sale on Feb. 15 at Ticketmaster and at the Garden Box Office four days later. Advance sales were reportedly so brisk that a sellout is virtually guaranteed.
Joshua, who will be making his U.S. debut, is the big draw, but Miller has a strong following in New York and if he is forced to pull out there will undoubtedly be a clamor for refunds. That may trigger Madison Square Garden lobbyists to put the squeeze on state legislators in Albany to find a solution to let the match go forward.
If that should happen, the lobbyists will be swimming against the tide. The New York State Athletic Commission has come under fire repeatedly for lax practices, most recently in a four-part series by frequent TSS contributor Thomas Hauser for The Ring. It’s doubtful the agency would want to risk more heat. Moreover, this apparently isn’t the first time that Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller has been exposed as a user of banned substances. It’s been reported that he tested positive for two banned anabolic steroids while competing as a kickboxer.
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David Allen Bursts Johnny Fisher’s Bubble at the Copper Box

The first meeting between Johnny Fisher, the Romford Bull, and David Allen, the White Rhino, was an inelegant affair that produced an unpopular decision. Allen put Fisher on the canvas in the fifth frame and dominated the second half of the fight, but two of the judges thought that Fisher nicked it, allowing the “Bull” to keep his undefeated record. That match was staged last December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underneath Usyk-Fury II.
The 26-year-old Fisher, who has a fervent following, was chalked a 13/5 favorite for the sequel today at London’s Copper Box Arena. At the weigh-in, Allen, who carried 265 pounds, looked as if he had been training at the neighborhood pub.
Through the first four rounds, Fisher fought cautiously, holding tight to his game plan. He worked his jab effectively and it appeared as if the match would go the full “10” with the Romford man winning a comfortable decision. However, in the waning moments of round five, he was a goner, left splattered on the canvas.
This was Fisher’s second trip to the mat. With 30 seconds remaining in the fifth, Allen put him on the deck with a clubbing right hand. Fisher got up swaying on unsteady legs, but referee Marcus McDonnell let the match continue. The coup-de-gras was a crunching left hook.
Fisher, who was 13-0 with 11 KOs heading in, went down face first with his arms extended. The towel flew in from his corner, but that was superfluous. He was out before he hit the canvas.
A high-class journeyman, the 33-year-old David Allen improved to 24-7-2 with his 16th knockout. He promised fireworks – “going toe-to-toe, that’s just the way I’m wired” – and delivered the goods.
Other Bouts of Note
Northampton middleweight Kieron Conway added the BBBofC strap to his existing Commonwealth belt with a fourth-round stoppage of Welsh southpaw Gerome Warburton. It was the third win inside the distance in his last four outings for Conway who improved to 23-3-1 (7 KOs).
Conway trapped Warburton (15-2-2) in a corner, hurt him with a body punch, and followed up with a barrage that forced the referee to intervene as Warburton’s corner tossed in the white flag of surrender. The official time was 1:26 of round four. Warburton’s previous fight was a 6-rounder vs. an opponent who was 8-72-4.
In the penultimate fight on the card, George Liddard, the so-called “Billericay Bomber,” earned a date with Kieron Conway by dismantling Bristol’s Aaron Sutton who was on the canvas three times before his corner pulled him out in the final minute of the fifth frame.
The 22-year-old Liddard (12-0, 7 KOs) was a consensus 12/1 favorite over Sutton who brought a 19-1 record but against tepid opposition. His last three opponents were a combined 16-50-5 at the time that he fought them.
Also
In a bout that wasn’t part of the ESPN slate, Johnny Fisher stablemate John Hedges, a tall cruiserweight, won a comprehensive 10-round decision over Liverpool’s Nathan Quarless. The scores were 99-92, 98-92, and 97-93.
Purportedly 40-4 as an amateur, Hedges advanced his pro ledger to 11-0 (3). It was the second loss in 15 starts for the feather-fisted Quarless, a nephew of 1980s heavyweight gatekeeper Noel Quarless.
Photo credit: Mark Robinson / Matchroom
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Avila Perspective, Chap. 326: A Hectic Boxing Week in L.A.

The Los Angeles area is packed with boxing.
Japan’s Mizuki “Mimi” Hiruta, Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk, and the indefatigable Jake Paul are all in the Los Angeles area this week.
First, Hiruta (7-0, 2 KOs) defends the WBO super flyweight title against Argentina’s Carla Merino on Saturday May 17, at Commerce Casino. The 360 Boxing Promotions card will be streamed on UFC Fight Pass.
Voted Japan’s best female fighter, Hiruta faces a stiff challenge from Merino who traveled thousands of miles from Cordoba.
360 Promotions is one of the top promotions especially when it comes to presenting female prizefighting. Two of their other female fighters, Lupe Medina and Jocelyn Camarillo, will also be fighting on Saturday.
They are not only promoting female fighters. They have several top male champions including Bohachuk and Omar “Trinidad performing this Saturday.
Don’t miss this show at Commerce Casino.
“This card is one of the deepest cards we’ve promoted in Southern California which has been proven by the rush for tickets and the wealth of media interest. Serhii, Omar and Mizuki are three of the top fighters in their respective weight classes and it’s a great opportunity for fans to see a full night of action,” said Tom Loeffler of 360 Promotions.
Jake and Chavez Jr. in L.A.
Jake Paul took time off from training in Puerto Rico to visit Los Angeles to hype his upcoming fight against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. next month.
“The fans have wanted to see this, and I want to continue to elevate and raise the level of my opponents,” said Paul, 28. “This is a former world champion, and he has an amazing resume following in his dad’s footsteps.”
Paul, who co-owns Most Valuable Promotions with Nakisa Bidarian, last staged a wildly successful boxing card that included Amanda Serrano versus Katie Taylor and of course his own fight with Mike Tyson.
It set records for viewing according to Netflix with an estimated 108 million views.
Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) is set to face Chavez (54-6-1, 34 KOs) in a cruiserweight battle at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on June 28. DAZN pay-per-view will stream the Golden Boy Promotions and MVP fight card that includes the return of Holly Holm to the boxing world after years in MMA.
No one should underestimate Paul who does have crackling power in his fists. He is for real and at 28, is in the prime of his boxing career.
Yes, he is a social influencer who got into boxing with no amateur background, but since he engaged fully into the sport, Paul has shown remarkable improvement in all areas.
Is he perfect? Of course not.
But power is the one attribute that can neutralize any faults and Paul does have real power. I witnessed it when I first saw him in the prize ring in Los Angeles many years ago.
Chavez, 39, the son of Mexico’s great Julio Cesar Chavez, is not as good as his father but was talented enough to win a world title and hold it until 2012 when he was edged by Sergio Martinez.
The son of Chavez last fought this past July when he defeated former UFC fighter Uriah Hall in a boxing match held in Florida. He has been seeking a match with Paul for years and finally he got it.
“I need to prepare 100%. This is an interesting fight. It might not be easy, but I’m going to do the best I can to be the best person I am, but I think I’m going to take him,” said Chavez.
Paul was not shy about Chavez’s talent.
“This is his toughest fight to date, and I’m going to embarrass him and make him quit like he always does,” said Paul about Chavez Jr. “I’m going to expose and embarrass him. He’s the embarrassment of Mexico. Mexico doesn’t even claim him, and he’s going to get exposed on June 28.”
Also on the same fight card is unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs) who defends the WBA and WBO titles against Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs).
In a surprising addition, former boxing champion Holm returns to the boxing ring after 12 years away from the sport. Can she still fight?
Holm (33-2-3, 9 KOs) meets Mexico’s Yolanda Vega (10-0, 1 KO) in a lightweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds. Holm is 43 and Vega is 29. Many eyes will be looking to see the return of Holm who was recently voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Wild Card Honored by L.A. City
A formal presentation by the Los Angeles City Council to honor the 30th anniversary of the Wild Card Boxing Club takes place on Sunday May 18, at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony takes place in front of the Wild Card located at 1123 Vine Street, Hollywood 90038.
Along with city councilmembers will be a number of the top first responder officials.
Championing Mental Health
A star-studded broadcast team comprised of Al Bernstein, Corey Erdman and Lupe Contreras will announce the boxing event called “Championing Mental Health” card on Thursday May 22, at the Avalon Theater. DAZN will stream the Bash Boxing card live.
Among those fighting are Vic Pasillas, Jessie Mandapat and Ricardo Ruvalcaba.
For more information including tickets go to www.555media.com/tickets.
Fights to Watch
Sat. UFC Fight Pass 7 p.m. Mizuki Hiruta (7-0) vs Carla Merina (16-2).
Thurs. DAZN 7 p.m. Vic Pasillas (17-1) vs Carlos Jackson (20-2).
Mimi Hiruta / Tom Loeffler photo credit: Al Applerose
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Sam Goodman and Eccentric Harry Garside Score Wins on a Wednesday Card in Sydney

Australian junior featherweight Sam Goodman, ranked #1 by the IBF and #2 by the WBO, returned to the ring today in Sydney, NSW, and advanced his record to 20-0 (8) with a unanimous 10-round decision over Mexican import Cesar Vaca (19-2). This was Goodman’s first fight since July of last year. In the interim, he twice lost out on lucrative dates with Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue. Both fell out because of cuts that Goodman suffered in sparring.
Goodman was cut again today and in two places – below his left eye in the eighth and above his right eye in the ninth, the latter the result of an accidental head butt – but by then he had the bout firmly in control, albeit the match wasn’t quite as one-sided as the scores (100-90, 99-91, 99-92) suggested. Vaca, from Guadalajara, was making his first start outside his native country.
Goodman, whose signature win was a split decision over the previously undefeated American fighter Ra’eese Aleem, is handled by the Rose brothers — George, Trent, and Matt — who also handle the Tszyu brothers, Tim and Nikita, and two-time Olympian (and 2021 bronze medalist) Harry Garside who appeared in the semi-wind-up.
Harry Garside

Harry Garside
A junior welterweight from a suburb of Melbourne, Garside, 27, is an interesting character. A plumber by trade who has studied ballet, he occasionally shows up at formal gatherings wearing a dress.
Garside improved to 4-0 (3 KOs) as a pro when the referee stopped his contest with countryman Charlie Bell after five frames, deciding that Bell had taken enough punishment. It was a controversial call although Garside — who fought the last four rounds with a cut over his left eye from a clash of heads in the opening frame – was comfortably ahead on the cards.
Heavyweights
In a slobberknocker being hailed as a shoo-in for the Australian domestic Fight of the Year, 34-year-old bruisers Stevan Ivic and Toese Vousiutu took turns battering each other for 10 brutal rounds. It was a miracle that both were still standing at the final bell. A Brisbane firefighter recognized as the heavyweight champion of Australia, Ivic (7-0-1, 2 KOs) prevailed on scores of 96-94 and 96-93 twice. Melbourne’s Vousiuto falls to 8-2.
Tim Tsyzu.
The oddsmakers have installed Tim Tszyu a small favorite (minus-135ish) to avenge his loss to Sebastian Fundora when they tangle on Sunday, July 20, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Their first meeting took place in this same ring on March 30 of last year. Fundora, subbing for Keith Thurman, saddled Tszyu with his first defeat, taking away the Aussie’s WBO 154-pound world title while adding the vacant WBC belt to his dossier. The verdict was split but fair. Tszyu fought the last 11 rounds with a deep cut on his hairline that bled profusely, the result of an errant elbow.
Since that encounter, Tszyu was demolished in three rounds by Bakhram Murtazaliev in Orlando and rebounded with a fourth-round stoppage of Joey Spencer in Newcastle, NSW. Fundora has been to post one time, successfully defending his belts with a dominant fourth-round stoppage of Chordale Booker.
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