Robert Brizel Editorial: Nobody Wanna Fight Mike Hunter, Matchmaking Nightmare
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Heavyweights Mike Hunter Jr. and Jarrell Miller have a common denominator. They are at the top of their heavyweight game, knocking at the door of a world heavyweight title, and nobody wants to fight them. Perhaps the best shot for either of them is the twice titular defeated Luis Ortiz. Beyond that, it’s apparently a stretch to get anybody to step into the ring with them. Miller, who failed three prefight drug tests in 2019, remains inactive.
Promoter Eddie Hearn told Boxing Scene his promising heavyweight, Mike Hunter, is the boogeyman of the heavyweight division. In this reporter’s view, Eddie Hearn’s statement does not go far enough. Hunter was training to be the backup opponent for Andy Ruiz when Ruiz stepped in to replace Miller for Anthony Joshua in the first Joshua-Ruiz bout, which Ruiz won. Hunter simply feels he can beat anyone, anywhere, anyplace, anytime. This self-belief spells trouble for any contender or opponent with ideas of beating Hunter.
Hunter, 18-1-1 with 12 knockouts, Las Vegas, Nevada, whose lone loss was a 12 round decision in a world cruiserweight title bout to current heavyweight contender Oleksandr Usyk, seems unlikely to fight a rematch with Usyk. Coming off a 12 round draw with dangerous ex-champion Alexander Povetkin, there are apparently no takers for Hunter, who needs to fight someone to keep busy. Hunter, Miller, and Usyk are the best candidates to fight the winner of Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder II, Anthony Joshua versus Kubrat Pulev, or to fight Andy Ruiz Jr. or Luis Ortiz. Povetkin is also solidly in this mix. These are actually solid exciting matchups. Put the money on the table, and you will have yet another DAZN Superfight. The Daniel Dubois versus Joe Joyce winner, if that bout occurs, could also be a major heavyweight factor. Efe Ajajba and Felip Hrgovic are also rising comers.
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