Anthony Joshua vs Jarrell Miller: World heavyweight champion vows to ‘collect rent’ on US debut in New York

Miller insisted the fight means more to him due to his humble beginnings and is waking up thinking of the champion ahead of their June 1 meeting

Anthony Joshua insists he is a “landlord” and is in New York to “collect rent” when he makes his US debut against Jarrell Miller to defend his world heavyweight titles on June 1.

The Brit traded insults with ‘Big Baby,’ who stepped in to face the champion after talks failed to progress for an undisputed title fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder or a rematch against domestic rival Dillian Whyte.

Joshua was shoved in the chest by Miller upon arrival at Madison Square Garden for the press conference, sparking chaotic scenes on the stage. But the champion calmed himself, insisting Miller did not pose a threat.

“I’m the champion,” Joshua said. “I’m deadly serious. Jarrell can’t beat me.

“Not even on his best day. He’s just a challenger. He can’t sell out – it’s the first time he’s headlining a show.

“I’m the landlord, I’m collecting rent. I’m confident. I’ll ram my jab down his throat. For a 300-pound guy, you punch like a p***y. The only way you can win is with a lucky punch.”

Miller hit back, insisting his desire, after coming from humble beginnings, would drive him to victory and one of the biggest upsets in recent years.

Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller come face to face (Matchroom Boxing)

“I’m ready. You have no idea,” insisted Miller. “I breathe, eat and sleep Anthony Joshua. I got a picture of him as my screen saver, a picture of him on my wall. I wake up and think Anthony Joshua.

“I slept on the floor for 18 years. No bed. I grew up in a third world country (Belize), not just Brooklyn, my nieces and nephews starving with no shoes on their feet.

“This is bigger than boxing, bigger than AJ, bigger than Madison Square Garden. Bigger than money.

“God did something to me. I didn’t know what I was doing with my life. Hustling in the street, being a knuckle head. All I knew was I had to go to the gym. They call me the underdog, but it’s good to be the underdog.”