Miller revives rivalry as Joshua return talk builds while he prepares to face Lenier Pero this weekend

Jarrell Miller has reignited his rivalry with Anthony Joshua as talk of Joshua’s return continues to build. The heavyweight says he still wants the fight but is waiting for confirmation that Joshua is ready to step back into the ring.

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Miller, who faces Lenier Pero this weekend in Las Vegas, was asked about the heavyweight picture after renewed talk of Joshua returning and Tyson Fury recently calling him out after his own comeback win.

Miller said he still has interest in settling old business with Joshua, but added that the former two-time champion may need more time before stepping back into the spotlight.

“I would love to [__] AJ up. On one hand, I’m hoping that mentally and physically, he’s back on track,” Miller said to Fight Hub TV.

“He hasn’t officially made a statement yet about him really coming back, but he has been in the gym.”

Miller was originally due to face Joshua in June 2019 at Madison Square Garden before the fight collapsed. Joshua instead faced late replacement Andy Ruiz Jr. and lost the fight.

The rivalry has stayed alive through interviews and social media, even though the two heavyweights never shared a ring.

Joshua has not fought since his knockout loss to Tyson Fury earlier this year, and promoter Eddie Hearn has said a summer return is being explored before any major showdown later in 2026.

Miller believes clarity is still needed before calling for the matchup now.

“Maybe we give him a little more time and kind of see where his head is at. The minute he says something, then it’s open season for him.”

A win over Pero would move Miller closer to contention, making a Joshua fight more realistic later this year.