Fight Blueprint: “Big Baby” Miller
On November 28th the Heavyweight division was shocked as Wladimir Klitschko lost the heavyweight title to Tyson Fury. Former Heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis said Tyson Fury had no chance against Wladimir, but Fury used movement and punching volume to stifle Klitschko’s offense. Some analysts suggested that it was Fury’s size, youth and athleticism that made the difference. Others suggested it was bravado and antics got under Wladimir’s skin. The result speaks for itself, and the rematch will surely be scheduled.
Since then RING magazine, arguably the true “Bible of Boxing,” has the updated its list of Heavyweight champions. Tyson Fury is the new champion, followed by Wladimir Klitschko as #1 contender. The list continues with:
#2 Alexander Povetkin
#3 Deontay Wilder
#3 Kubrat Pulev
#5 Luis Ortiz
#6 Bermane Stiverne
#7 Vyacheslav Glazkov
#8 Bryant Jennings
#9 Ruslan Chagaev
#10 Anthony Joshua
There are a couple of things that should ignite the interest of the boxing community and fight fans around the globe.
1. There are as many countries represented as there are contenders; US, Russia, Ukraine, UK, Bulgaria, Cuba, Canada, Uzbekistan. The next undisputed champion will not only be representing himself but also his country, like in the Olympics. (This is very different from “back in the day” when the majority of heavyweight boxing contenders were American.) The UK now has bragging rights.
2. After the dethroning of the apparently indomitable Klitschko, the field is wide open for a new champion with a clean record. The current champion and many of the challengers all have recent losses or are too green for the public to know for sure whether we are at the precipice of a new dynasty. There is probably no matchup that is a sure thing, no matchup without the level of uncertainty that would have fight fans talking and puffing their choice as victor.
3. The drama that tends to make all matchmaking interesting exists in the boxing heavyweight division now: country versus country, youth versus experience, race vs. race, etc. Adding to the intrigue was the announcement of the return of arguably the greatest contender who “never was,” Ike Ibeabuchi, a wrecking machine who was walking though all his opponents. With the Klitschko loss comes the desire to unify all the title belts (become undisputed lineal champion). Tyson Fury snatched the titles from Kiltschko – all but the WBC which is held by Deontay Wilder. The return of British titleholder David Haye adds another outspoken challenger to the foray.
Enter Brooklyn’s heavyweight king Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller. Mr. Miller has been on a quest to capture what he feels is his, “The Heavyweight Championship.” He has been dominant and virtually unstoppable in his recent run. Because Klitschko and the belts were on foreign soil (Germany via the Ukraine) the chance of a matchup garnering public interest had waned. (There is also the fact that Miller was a sparring partner for Klitschko, which may have had him on “back burner” of opponents.) Now that the belts are in different hands the dynamics change – i.e. a new potential blueprint on how to beat Klitschko exists, as well as a better chance for an American to fight the UK’s Tyson Fury. Equally compelling is that Deontay Wilder’s belt becomes more valuable as it presents a chance for unification. Whoever has Deontay’s WBC belt becomes first in line for Tyson Fury’s belts. Jarrell Miller now has the task of distinguishing himself from a number of upstarts including Anthony Joshua from the UK, Joseph Parker from Australia, and the returning Alexander Povetkin.
On January 22nd, Mr. Miller will face Donovan Dennis, a young lion who is strong, hungry and ready to go. His recent march to a title shot was derailed by a flash knockdown/knockout loss to Andrey Fodosov. Donovan was a rising star with an 80% knockout record and was considered the next big thing.
Donovan Dennis is a tall 6’5” southpaw with good size and power. Although having knock out losses to Andrey Fodosov and Nate Heaven, he demonstrated tremendous punching power and fast hands. Both knockouts occurred during heavy exchanges where he miscalculated or was not as defensively responsible as he should have been. This clearly is not an opponent that Mr. Miller can take lightly, not only because of his punching power, but because in such a competitive division there is no room for mistakes, no second chances.
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, as we have articulated in previous articles, is the “real deal” with real world power. A strong jab and “seek and destroy” attack is his forte. His solid beard allows him to close the distance quickly where he can set up his bone crushing power shots. His over 80% knockout ratio is a testament to his punching power and offensive style.
As always NewYorkFighting.com will give its analysis and prediction. “Big Baby” Miller will defeat Mr. Dennis by late round knockout. The movement and caution of Dennis will force the fight into the late rounds where “Big Baby” will eventually catch up with him.
Along with Mr. Dennis’ many attributes, he has a fast and powerful straight rear left cross or overhand left. He has a good reach that he uses to his advantage very well. He likes to work on the outside using his footwork and shooting combinations off the jab. He does everything to set up the rear cross to the head and body followed by a “close the door” right hook.
Opponents might normally expect Dennis to come in trying to land big bombs, but here Dennis will be cautious and measured. Miller’s best tactic is to move to his left away from the southpaw’s power, while looking for power jabs and left hooks of his own. He should keep his right hand alive to block or parry incoming crosses. Creating traps to make Dennis to overextend on his cross combined with Dennis’s suspect defense should set up countering opportunities for the Baby. Punching in order to bridge the gap will allow Miller to unload combinations against Dennis who has proven to be defensively irresponsible, particularly when closing distance.
Finally – you heard it here first on NewYorkFighting.com – the blueprint for Miller is this: Dennis’ positioning on entry may be his true Achilles heel. Lastly and more importantly he closes his eyes when in the pocket, and on impact, leaving him open for counters, particularly against a combination or volume puncher.
Blueprint for fight fans: If each fighter is on their game, this fight is not going the distance.
Written by Adrian Anthony
Edited by Kyle Antonelli
Photos: Matt Culley
NewYorkFighting.com
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