ANTHONY JOSHUA is in panic mode as he desperately tries to find an opponent for his big US boxing debut on June 1.
Scheduled opponent Jarrell Miller failed a doping test for banned ‘muscle growth’ substance GW1516.
He has since being refused a licence to fight by the New York State Athletic Commission, although he can reapply once his B sample comes back.
But Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has admitted they are “likely to need a new opponent”, and has already drafted a shortlist.
However some of those originally believed to be on this appear to have ruled themselves out.
Luis Ortiz, the 40-year-old with 31 wins and just one loss, to Deontay Wilder, is the “number one target”.
But the Cuban is said to have responded that it’s “too short notice”, although this is boxing and it could be a ploy for more money.
Brooklyn slugger Adam Kownacki was also another named bandied around as a potential opponent, but he too has ruled himself out.
CHARR DESPERATE
Dillian Whyte is desperate to avenge his 2015 KO loss to AJ, but there are concerns that he “doesn’t have a big enough US profile”.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport, the 34-year-old said: “I am the real the contender for AJ I am the regular heavyweight champion of the world.
“I want to show the world who is the real WBA heavyweight champion of the world is.
“I have the experience and I want to show AJ boxing lessons. I have many fights and I bring with me the Syria heart.
“I am not scared of anybody. If I must fight a dinosaur I will be ready to win this battle.”
I have NEVER knowingly taken any banned substance
Jarrell Miller
In his first statement since failing a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association-conducted test, Miller said: “I want to thank all of my supporters who have stood by me since day one and especially during this extremely difficult time.
“I am absolutely devastated upon hearing the news my boxing license has been revoked in NY State and I will be vigorously appealing this decision.
“I have NEVER knowingly taken any banned substance and when I found out the news last night I was totally shocked.
“My team and I stand for integrity, decency & honesty and together we will stand to fight this with everything we have!”
When making baseless claims against Joshua that the Brit was a steroid user in the build-up, Miller repeatedly stated his insider knowledge of steroids, supplements and bodybuilding was second to none.
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And he has form after landing a ban while a martial artist in the kickboxing promotion GLORY in 2014.
Back then he tested positive for methylhexaneamine from a urine sample and was suspended for nine months.
That product is used by athletes as a dietary supplement and is a well-known performance enhancer.
