Jarrell Miller targeted for Anthony Joshua showdown should he win this weekend

As Eddie Hearn prepares to put on his first American card this weekend — an HBO show headlined by Daniel Jacobs vs. Luis Arias — there could be a big opportunity at stake for heavyweight Jarrell Miller, who will be taking on Mariusz Wach on the undercard.

The Miller-Wach fight isn’t technically a title eliminator, but Hearn does regard it as a de facto one as the winner will could likely get a shot at Anthony Joshua while Hearn presumably builds towards a showdown against Deontay Wilder. Here’s what Hearn told ESPN:

"We require as many contenders as possible," Hearn said. "Jarrell Miller is making a lot of noise right now, and we look for potential opponents for Anthony Joshua, particularly in the United States, and Jarrell Miller is at the top of the list...

"I think Jarrell Miller is one of the true heavyweights, and I know Anthony rates Jarrell highly and he'd be out for a fight with Jarrell Miller. He'd be one of the perfect guys to come over and take on in the States. Obviously, working with Dmitry and Jarrell, there is no reason why an Anthony Joshua-Jarrell Miller fight shouldn't happen. But first he has a very tough fight to get through."

Miller (19-0-1, 17 KOs) has built a little buzz for himself recently, mostly due to his gift of gab, but has showed some promise — particularly in his most recent stoppage win over Gerald Washington in July. He does, however, appear to be something of a flawed fighter too, so it’s no wonder why Hearn would like to build Joshua’s profile against an American loud mouth who has yet to be truly tested at the elite level.

One might argue that Wilder has yet to be truly tested at the elite level as well. I mean, after all, his best opponent is still probably the guy he just easily dismantled in a piss-poor showing by Bermane Stiverne. But despite that, Wilder is considered to be a legitimate threat to any heavyweight out there because he packs the ultimate equalizer in his right hand.

So, would a fight between Joshua and Miller be a great prelude to Joshua-Wilder? I guess I could think of worse things. But you tell me, fans.