Luis Ortiz vs. Jarrell Miller Could Top First Matchroom Card in U.S.

By Edward Chaykovsky

Last year, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport had discussed his strategy to have his UK based company enter the American market.

As part of his plan to invade America, he signed up Cuban heavyweight puncher Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23KOs) to a promotional agreement. Ortiz, who parted ways with Golden Boy Promotions, has already fought twice for Matchroom. During his run with Golden Boy, Ortiz was showcased several times on HBO.

As BoxingScene previously reported, Hearn is very focused on finalizing a fight between Ortiz and another unbeaten puncher, Jarrell Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs).

If Hearn is able to get a deal together for Ortiz-Miller, he wants to place that fight in a headline position on the first Matchroom show in the United States.

The fight is a big risk for both boxers. Ortiz is the mandatory challenger to the WBA heavyweight title, while Miller is under consideration to fight newly crowned WBO champion Joseph Parker.

"That's a fight we're really looking to make in America and I think there is a very good chance you will see that fight in April. I think it's a great fight between two very highly ranked and unbeaten fighters. Jarrell Miller loves to talk and it's a fight we would love to make," Hearn said.

"I would do my own card for that in America. That would be the headline fight and that's what we are working towards. Ortiz is mandatory for the WBA, while they are both highly ranked with the IBF. Miller is highly ranked with the WBO, Ortiz is highly ranked by the WBC so it's a big fight in the heavyweight division.

"What I like about it is that normally two guys would avoid danger fights to get to the top, but now they are saying 'you know what, why wait, let's just fight and find out.' That's great for boxing."

As far as the television outlet, both HBO and Showtime are reportedly interested in the contest. Hearn already has an exclusive television deal with Showtime for IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.