Did Jarrell Miller use steroids? Everything you need to know about the heavyweight boxer's chequered past

Heavyweight boxer Jarrell Miller rose through the division's ranks and was on the brink of fighting for the unified heavyweight title at the iconic Madison Square Garden in February 2019 when he tested positive for multiple banned substances - GW501516, EPO, and HGH - and was subsequently removed from the fight.

As a result, the New York State Athletic Commission denied him a license to box in the state. Miller received a six-month suspension from WBA as NYSAC could not hand him the suspension. This became one of the most controversial topics of the time due to the high stakes involved. However, it was neither the first nor the last instance of Miller being caught for using PEDs.

Miller took an extended break from competition after getting pulled from the Joshua fight and was slated to return against Jerry Forrest in July 2020. However, the 35-year-old tested positive for GW501516 in the pre-fight drug test. The Nevada State Athletic Commission handed Miller a two-year suspension.

Since returning to competition, Miller has amassed a 3-1 record in professional boxing. He also fought an exhibition bout against Antonio Zepeda in June 2023. In his last outing, the 36-year-old lost to Daniel Dubois by a 10th-round TKO on the Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin undercard.

Miller also competed as a professional kickboxer during the early 2010s and amassed a 2-2 record in the sport. In his last kickboxing match, 'Big Baby' suffered a unanimous decision loss against Mirko Cro Cop at Glory 17: Los Angeles in June 2014.

The California State Athletic Commission handed Miller a nine-month suspension after methylhexaneamine was found in his urine sample submitted before the fight. However, Miller has claimed that he was never suspended before the Joshua fight.

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Jarrell Miller claims he has never used steroids for performance enhancement

While Jarrell Miller's anti-doping policy violations have damaged his reputation in the sport over the last few years, he has claimed that he has only used steroids to recover from injuries.

In a July 2020 interview with Fight Network, Miller said:

"I've never ever willingly taken a steroid for performance enhancement purposes. Did I take something for healing properties? For injury? Yes, I have. Before a fight, to win a fight and during a training camp? No, I've never done that."

Check out Jarrell Miller's comments below (14:27):

With the anti-doping suspensions now in the past, Miller is looking forward to getting his boxing career on track. He will fight former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. on Aug. 3, on the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov undercard.