Mahmoud Charr vs Anthony Joshua? WBA regular title holder claims talks are under way to replace Jarrell Miller

Mahmoud Charr claims he is in negotiations to replace Jarrell Miller and fight Anthony Joshua in New York on June 1.

American Miller recorded an “adverse finding” in a drugs test ahead of their fight at Madison Square Garden and is likely to be refused a licence to box by the New York State Athletic Commission if his B sample comes back positive.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn and his team are already considering possible replacements with Charr, who holds the WBA regular world title – a belt outranked by Joshua’s WBA ‘Super’ title - claiming he is the front runner.

“Internal negotiations are taking place regarding the fight in June Mahmoud Charr against Anthony Joshua,” Charr wrote on Instagram.

“I am very happy about this task and the challenge. I'm ready to go to fight against Joshua and bring home the victory.

“As the No.1 WBA and reigning world champion, I'm the most worthy opponent for Anthony Joshua. I am the suitable and official challenger. For Joshua's honour, it's important to fight against the No.1 WBA rankings in the world.”

Charr recently announced he was changing his first name from 'Manuel' – his birthname given to him by his parents.

The 34-year-old has 31 wins from 35 professional bouts, losing four times – including to Joshua’s last opponent Alexander Povetkin.

Who else could replace Jarrell Miller?

Luis Ortiz

Perhaps the fighter with the most pedigree on the shortlist, Ortiz gave Deontay Wilder serious problems before eventually succumbing to a knockout defeat to the WBC champion in his only world title fight to date last year.

The 40-year-old won some admirers for that showing in New York that night and has racked up three straight wins since then, beating Christian Hammer by unanimous decision in early March.

The battle-hardened heavyweight would perhaps represent a greater challenge to Joshua’s dominance than original opponent Miller.

Adam Kownacki

The 30-year-old Polish American fought on the undercard of Keith Thurman’s comeback fight in January, dismissing Gerald Washington in the second round in front of the watching Deontay Wilder.

He is ranked fourth by the IBF and has been preparing for a May or June return.

Kubrat Pulev

Pulev was originally scheduled to challenge Joshua in August 2017 only for the Bulgarian to pull out due to a shoulder injury suffered in training.

A victory over Hughie Fury last October made him mandatory challenger for the Briton’s IBF strap once again, registering a knockout win over Bogdan Dinu in his last outing in March.

The 40-year-old caused huge controversy in the aftermath of that victory, grabbing and kissing a female reporter on the lips in a post-match interview.

The California State Athletic Commission have subsequently suspended Pulev – until he can “demonstrate that he will conform to this principle of respect."

Michael Hunter

Little-known American Hunter signed a promotional deal with Joshua’s promoter Matchroom Boxing just a week ago.

The 30-year-old went 12 rounds with the superb Oleksandr Usyk in April 2017 and has since followed in the footsteps of the Ukrainian by moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight.

Following news of Miller’s failed drugs test, the 2012 Olympian had a simple message in response to the speculation linking him with the Joshua fight. “Call me, Eddie.”