Rumours are he moves off the April 13th Wembley date (which goes to Khan/Brook) and he takes on Miller in NYC. Opinions?
I have little interest in Khan Brook. I think they would be wise to get the AJ show on the road. Try and keep Wembley for the next 'special' fight. Otherwise they run the risk of empty seats. AJ Miller will look the part at least.
Interesting move if it happens. Maybe the way a comeback, less than 100% Fury handled Wilder has made Hearn and Joshua more bold and open to a fight in the US. Sure they'll get robbed on the cards unless it's a DAZN/Matchroom promoted event but they might just be very confident of KOing Wilder and not needing to worry about some dubious scorecards. If that's the case and they can't secure Wilder next in the US or Fury in the UK then a fight with Miller to debut Joshua on US soil makes sense. He's always been a back up for Hearn in regards to Joshua's debut in the US, it's not the first time it's been talked about. But the danger of course is Fury gets the decision 2nd time around and scuppers Hearn's plan, better to not rely on some bad judging again to save Wilder again and make the Wilder fight now while he still has a belt and the 0.
I think Ortiz would be better for AJ, Miller hasn't even beaten a gatekeeper level opponent yet. AJ is capable of beating him IMO. Shuts up the Wilder fanboys as well. Ortiz will slow down in the later rounds, AJ can pounce on him then.
I'd prefer Ortiz too, but I think Hearn will want Ortiz to sign with him to secure it which Ortiz has always refused to do. If it happens I do think Joshua overwhelms him far more easily than some would expect. Having slow feet and not being to get out of the way of Joshua is always going to lead to you eating a lot of punches vs Joshua. Ortiz has a puncher's chance but that's it, very likely get's KO'ed inside 6 rounds.
Joshua struggles with movement. If you stand in front of him, he'll get to you at some point. I take AJ's power over Ortiz easily. Hearn could do a 1 fight deal with Ortiz. Haymon will likely veto it though.
I don’t mind AJ vs Miller and think it’s a good fight stateside to build up the wilder fight. But I agree with a few others on here, Miller hasn’t exactly beaten anyone of note to warrant this fight
AJ and Hearn painted themselves into a corner that’s for sure. Fury and Wilder made them look greedy and apprehensive to step up. Miller is too slow and not skilled enough he should gonfor Ortiz and show he’s not hesitant to challenge himself while Ortiz still has a little left in the tank.
Miller is underrated on here in my opinion, I mean he won every round against Washington who was able to out box Wilder in several rounds.
This. Joshua will at least gain valuable experience by fighting and beating Ortiz, since Ortiz has both the skill and experience to give Joshua a tough fight despite his age just like Wlad and Povetkin did. Miller on the other hand lacks both and is also slow and can't punch, so he's tailor-made for Joshua.