Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller ramp up war of words in second fight press conference
The two went face to face again in another feisty press conference
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Your support makes all the difference.An angry Anthony Joshua responded to Jarrell Miller's claims he is fighting him on behalf of the "underdog" by reminding him he was a "streetfighter" before he was groomed for greatness.
The IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion usually cuts a composed figure amid goading from his opponents but Miller angered him when they met in New York last week and he is yet to rediscover his normal persona. They again met in London on Monday afternoon, and Brooklyn's Miller said: "I've been hearing AJ's too posh, his nose is up here sometimes. For all the underdogs out there who are told they're not good enough; I'm proof that with one or two cheeseburgers and hard work and dedication you can go far."
Here's how the press conference played out:
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Welcome to the Independent's live blog for the London press conference for the upcoming world heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller.
The Brit will put up his IBF, WBA Super and WBO titles against the Brooklyn fighter.
'Big Baby' has home advantage with the fight at Madison Square Garden, with the first press conference last week suggesting we can expect fireworks when the two meet once more this lunch time.
We're behind schedule in London...
Joshua was goaded by British rival Dillian Whyte for failing to react to Miller's taunts last time out.
Will he be able to keep his calm once more?
The fighters are here.
Miller and his entourage stroll in. The American sits alone at the top table with a huge golden necklace around his neck.
We're moments away from starting.
George Groves is also in attendance.
Local to the area, the former super-middleweight world champion has come by to take in the heavyweight meeting.
Groves has a grin on his face, as well he may after taking pleasure in his former rival James DeGale's defeat to Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday.
We're underway!
First some words from promoter Eddie Hearn and Sky Sports' Adam Smith.
Miller, who had his feet up on the table, is now sitting, shades on, gazing into the distance.
Miller's team emphasising how Joshua was partying in New York recently with Daniel Jacobs.
Now Dmitry Salita, Miller's promoter, is speaking about his fighter becoming the new world heavyweight champion.
"This will be the toughest fight of Anthony's career," he says.
"Jarrell is the busiest heavyweight in the world. He's incredibly big, athletic, fast, active in the ring."
Trainer Rob McCracken admits Joshua has a big challenge.
Anthony will look forward to this. He won the gold when he was a novice.
He can really fight. He's on a good learning trajectory.
He's a phenomenal fighter and talent, there's this myth AJ has had everything put on a plate.
He's got something you don't see in other fighters, great challenger, but Anthony will be ready and deliver on the night.
McCracken adds:
He (Miller) is big and good, he can box a bit.
He's stepping up, he hasn't achieved what he has for nothing.
To beat who has beaten, he has to be a bit special.
He knows how tough boxing is, he won't take him lightly.
He'll prepare as best as possible. He understands the business, he wants to entertain, with his first night in the US, he'll be prepared and deliver on June 1.
Now Miller is ready to speak:
UK, what's up? I had a cup of tea, chilling.
You know how I feel about AJ, where I come from and where I'm going.
I can't wait for June 1. Thanks to my team and management.
The UK fans will give me support. I've heard from the fans themselves, 'AJ is too posh,' I'm for the underdogs.
For those who are told they're not good enough, too fat, don't listen, I'm proven fact, you can go real far. Let's go to work.
There will be fireworks. I can't wait.
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