Eddie Hearn has worked with both Andy Ruiz Jr and Jarrell Miller but does not have particularly fond memories of either.
It was back in June 2019 that Hearn was set to promote Anthony Joshua versus Miller at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was supposed to be the launch of Joshua into the American market and the first thing that went wrong was Brooklyn’s ‘The Big Baby’ failing drug tests and being pulled from the card.
Now the pair that were linked by fate five years ago meet in the ring on August 3rd on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s world title shot against Israil Madrimov.
Speaking to BoxNation, Hearn reflected on his relationship with Miller.
“I was very emotional about the Jarrell situation when it happened. Probably because I maybe wasn’t mature enough to deal with it at the time. At this stage in life, I could say that’s life. But I carried it with me for a few years. I took it quite personally but as far as I’m concerned it’s over really. People make mistakes.”
He then spoke of the upcoming fight with Ruiz.
“He’s back now, fought Dubois, got beat. I think he’ll be fitter this time but it’s a very tough fight. Ruiz has been out for what 18 months? You’ve got to stick it on him.
It’s going to be 22000 people in the BMO Stadium and Andy Ruiz will have huge support there.”
Last time out, Miller was stopped in the 10th and final round by Daniel Dubois, while Ruiz hasn’t fought since a points win over Luis Ortiz almost two years ago. Timothy Bradley thinks the skills of Ruiz will be what wins the fight for the former unified heavyweight champion.
