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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Martin Domin

Anthony Joshua's potential opponents if Jarrell Miller is banned for failed drugs test

Anthony Joshua may be on the lookout for a new opponent after Jarrell Miller failed a drugs test.

The heavyweight world champion is due to defend his three belts against the American at Madison Square Garden on June 1.

But having tested positive for a banned substance, Miller now faces a hearing with the New York Athletic Commission and, if found guilty, looks set to face a ban.

That would leave Joshua without an opponent for his US debut, with promoter Eddie Hearn insisting the show will go on in the Big Apple.

So who could Joshua fight instead? We take a look at five potential opponents...

1. Luis Ortiz

The most dangerous and high-profile option and one that would go down well with the fans.

Ortiz's only defeat came against Deontay Wilder but not until after he gave the world champion an almighty fright.

The 40-year-old has fought three times since that defeat last year against limited opposition.

Ortiz has no bout scheduled and is unlikely to turn down the chance of another shot at a world title - and a career-high pay day.

But will Joshua fancy the threat at just six weeks' notice?

Luis Ortiz is a dangerous option (Action Images via Reuters)

How much Jarrell Miller will lose if Anthony Joshua fight is cancelled

2. Dillian Whyte

A long, long shot given the rivalry needs to be promoted and any rematch should take place in the UK.

Whyte was expected to face Joshua earlier this month but was unable to agree terms with the champion.

He would surely jump at the chance for revenge having lost to Joshua back in 2015, but a deal is unlikely at this stage.

Whyte is currently due to return to the ring on July 13 against an as-yet unnamed opponent.

Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte have history (Getty Images)

Jarrell Miller responds to failed drugs test ahead of Anthony Joshua fight

3. Adam Kownacki

The undefeated Pole ticks plenty of boxes - not only as he yet to taste defeat but he is based in New York and will command a decent following.

A closer look at his record also suggests he has beaten at least as good opponents as Miller, with knockout victories over Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington.

Having not fought since January, Kownacki is available - and is another who would surely sign up to a monster pay day, especially with six weeks to train for fight night.

Adam Kownacki is in Pole position (Getty Images)

4. Kubrat Pulev

The Bulgarian will be called as Joshua's mandatory challenger later in the year and so fighting him now would at least satisfy that requirement.

The pair were due to clash in 2017 in Cardiff but Pulev pulled out at short notice.

On that ocassion, Carlos Takam stepped in and took Joshua 10 rounds before he was controversially stopped.

Pulev last fought in March and so would be reasonably fresh but is currently embroiled in a row after kissing a female reporter following his win over Bogdan Dinu.

Jarrell Miller fails drugs test ahead of Anthony Joshua fight

5. Michael Hunter

A recent signing to Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable, Hunter is a newcomer to the heavyweight division having fought just four times at the weight.

He knocked out Scotland-based Martin Bakole last year and followed it up by inflicting a third career defeat on Alexander Ustinov.

Hunter is currently scheduled to fight in Chicaco on May 25 but an opponent has yet to be named.

But whether his name carries sufficient weight for a pay-per-view event in the UK remains to be seen.

Michael Hunter is a stablemate of Joshua (Getty Images)
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