Jarrell Miller left 'absolutely devastated' after licence loss throws Joshua clash up in air
American boxer Jarrell Miller is ‘absolutely devastated’ after a doping test resulted in him losing his licence.
Miller was due to fight Anthony Joshua in a much-anticipated clash in New York in June.
But he returned an adverse result for a metabolic modulator in March according to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).
He retains the right to request another sample be tested and to reapply for a licence, and has now stated his intention to “vigorously appeal” the decision.
He wrote on Instagram: “I am absolutely devastated upon hearing the news my boxing licence has been revoked in NY State and I will be vigorously appealing this decision.
“I have NEVER knowingly taken any banned substance and when I found out the news last night I was totally shocked.
“My team and I stand for integrity, decency & honesty and together we will stand to fight this with everything we have!”
Miller continued: “This was a voluntary test that I was very happy to do and these results came just one week after another voluntary test that I had taken which was completely clean.
“I refuse to just lie down and let my dream be taken away from me when I know in my heart that I’ve done nothing wrong.
“Fifteen years of hard work. I’m a WARRIOR .. I don’t need a banned substance.
“Remember, don’t believe everything you hear and see. The facts will prevail and I shall be vindicated. I don’t have anything to hide and the truth will make itself known.”
Joshua’s camp are still working towards a fight at Madison Square Garden on June 1, with Matchroom chief executive Frank Smith stating on Wednesday night that his organisation were “looking at other potential opponents”.
Additional by PA.