Joshua’s team put together five-man shortlist of potential replacement of Miller

Anthony Joshua: Eddie Hearn faces major Adam Kownacki problem with four-man shortlist

EDDIE HEARN has placed Adam Kownacki top of a four-man shortlist to face Anthony Joshua on June 1 - but he faces a major problem.


Joshua is down to fight Jarrell Miller at New York’s Madison Square Garden this summer.

But the American tested positive for banned substance GW1516, known on the back market as Endurobol, so Hearn has drawn up a back-up plan.

Kownacki is the preferred replacement should Miller not be granted a licence by the New York State Athletic Commission.


However, a major problem is that the Pole is managed by Al Haymon, who will not want his boxer fighting on a rival’s show.

Therefore Haymon could demand a large sum to allow Kownacki a shot at the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world titles.

Luis Ortiz, Manuel Charr and Michael Hunter complete the four-man shortlist.

Dillian Whyte has also expressed an interest in stepping in to fight Joshua but he would command a substantial chunk of the purse.

The Brit turned down £4million earlier this year to step into the ring with Joshua

Adam Kownacki is managed by Al Haymon which could prove a huge problem (Image:
Miller has not been completely ruled out of the June 1 showdown.

It is understood the 30-year-old will request a testing of his B-sample, which was produced at the same time on March 20.

However, the A and B samples typically come back with the same results.

Miller has yet to comment on the issue. But his promoter Dmitry Salita issued the following statement.


It said: “We are in the process of obtaining further information about VADA’s finding and will have more to say soon on this developing situation.

“In the meantime Jarrell continues to train for his June 1 fight against Anthony Joshua.”

Joshua is understood to be frustrated by the situation but he is continuing to train at his Sheffield base.

Kownacki brings a New York crowd with him to MSG which was the attraction of facing ‘Big Baby’ Miller.

But Haymon won’t allow his fighter take the bout on the cheap at six weeks’ notice.

 

Hunter>>Bakole>>Wach>>McBride>>Mike Tyson

Hunter>>Ustinov>>Tua>>Rahman>>Lewis

Hunter>>Bakole>>Wach>>McBride>>Tyson>>Holmes>>Ali

 

It would of but he doesn't lack confidence and he has a lot of experience fighting these huge behemoths in the amateurs so I won't be surprised if he does take it if it's offered to him.

 

Maybe but Miller is battling PED addiction