Pulev ‘interested’ in defending WBA title against Miller

Kubrat Pulev would be ‘interested’ in making the first defence 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 strap 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 [promoter] Dmitriy Salita called me about right after Kubrat won the title.

“Given everything happening in the division, we believe this fight can make sense.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita has confirmed that talks have been held over the WBA bout and is keen to guide Miller back to a major title fight after a clash with unified champion Anthony Joshua fell through when the New Yorker tested positive for a banned substance in 2019.

“I’ve had substantial conversations with Pulev’s promoter for some time regarding a fight with Jarrell, and they are interested,” Salita told Sky Sports.

“Jarrell has also shown interest.

“When I signed Jarrell years ago, I promised to do everything I could to help him become heavyweight champion of the world, following the rich Brooklyn, NYC heritage of Tyson and Riddick Bowe.

“It almost happened against Joshua, and now, with a title and a win over Pulev, a Joshua fight for the world title becomes bigger than ever.

“My role as Jarrell’s promoter is to deliver the most valuable opportunities, and I’m grateful that we’ve achieved just 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 heavyweight World Championship.”

Miller could switch his attention to a WBA title fight with Pulev after an expected fight with Derek Chisora in February fell through.

Michael Hunter, another American contender, has also lined up a shot at Pulev after winning the WBA ‘gold’ belt, but the newly crowned champion could be allowed to make a voluntary defence first against Miller.

Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s huge heavyweight rematch will be live on Saturday December 21 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Usyk v Fury 2 now!

Source : Sky Sports