Kubrat Pulev would be ‘interested’ in making the first defense of his WBA heavyweight title against Jarell Miller.
The Bulgarian holds a version of the WBA belt, although Oleksandr Usyk will defend the WBA ‘super’ belt, along with the WBC and WBO belts in his rematch with Tyson Fury on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Pulev defeated Mahmoud Charr by unanimous decision this month to secure his WBA belt and would be open to a title fight against Miller.
“Yes, Kubrat is interested in a fight with Jarrell,” Pulev’s promoter John Wirt told Sky Sports.
“We have several options on the table that we are currently exploring and I can confirm that Jarrell is one of them.
“This is a fight that (promoter) Dmitriy Salita called me for right after Kubrat won the title.
“Considering everything that is happening in the division, we think this fight can make sense.”
Jarrell Miller fought to a draw with former world champion Andy Ruiz in his last fight in August.
Promoter Dmitriy Salita has confirmed that WBA fight talks have been held and is keen to guide Miller back into a major title fight after a clash with unified champion Anthony Joshua fell apart when the New Yorker tested positive. for a banned substance in 2019.
“I have had substantial conversations with Pulev’s promoter for some time about a fight with Jarrell, and they are interested,” Salita told Sky Sports.
“Jarrell has also shown interest.
“When I hired Jarrell years ago, I promised to do everything I could to help him become world heavyweight champion, following the rich heritage of Tyson and Riddick Bowe in Brooklyn, New York.
“It almost happened against Joshua, and now, with a title and a win over Pulev, Joshua’s world title fight becomes bigger than ever.
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“My role as Jarrell’s advocate is to provide the most valuable opportunities and I am grateful to have accomplished that every step of the way.
“From fights on HBO and Showtime to a title shot with Joshua, a successful comeback and now another fight for the World Heavyweight Championship.”
Miller could turn his attention to a WBA title fight with Pulev after an expected fight with Derek Chisora fell through in February.
Michael Hunter, another American contender, has also lined up a shot against Pulev after winning the WBA ‘gold’ belt, but the newly crowned champion could be allowed to make a voluntary defense first against Miller.
The big heavyweight rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury will air live on Saturday, December 21 on Sky Sports Box Office. Pre-order Usyk vs. Fury 2 now!
