Jarrell Miller Looks to Reignite Heavyweight Hopes at MSG
The lights will be bright, the stage iconic, and the gloves heavy when Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller meets Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh in a 10-round heavyweight clash on January 31, 2026. The bout, set for Madison Square Garden in New York City, lands on the undercard of the Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson main event, giving this heavyweight showdown a global spotlight.
It is more than just a matchup of power and size. It is a test of legacy versus momentum. Miller wants one last run at heavyweight relevance. Ibeh wants to crash the party and take his place among the division’s top contenders. Someone’s future changes here.
Miller’s Path Back to the Top
Jarrell Miller enters the ring with a professional record of 26 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws. He has 22 knockouts to his name and a history that includes headlining against world-level opposition. The Brooklyn-born heavyweight is no stranger to pressure, having shared the ring with names like Daniel Dubois and Andy Ruiz Jr.
In 2023, he gave Dubois a war before being stopped late. In 2024, he went the distance with Ruiz in a majority draw that many fans felt could have gone either way. These bouts proved that even after years of turbulence, Miller still belongs near the elite tier.
But those same years of inactivity have taken their toll. Since 2018, he has only fought five times, often sidelined by failed drug tests and collapsed fight deals. Whether it was the canceled Anthony Joshua bout or scrapped matchups with Chisora and Hunter, Miller’s rhythm has been badly disrupted.
Now 37, Miller is a throwback-style heavyweight. He comes forward with volume, pressure, and relentless bodywork. At 6-foot-4 and often weighing over 300 pounds, he leans on his size and engine to grind opponents down. But the question remains—after so many stops and starts, can he still go 10 hard rounds against a hungry, younger fighter?
Ibeh’s Moment to Shine
Kingsley Ibeh steps in with a 16-2-1 record and 14 knockouts. At 32 years old, the Phoenix-based Nigerian heavyweight is on an 11-fight win streak, with 10 of those victories coming by knockout. He is not just showing up for a payday. He is looking to upset the veteran and punch his way into the heavyweight top 30.
Ibeh’s recent form has been strong. In September 2025, he scored a dominant three-round knockout over veteran Gerald Washington, adding legitimacy to his rise. Earlier losses to Jared Anderson and a draw with Guido Vianello now feel distant, with Ibeh showing marked improvements in patience, punch selection, and conditioning.
A former college football player, Ibeh came to boxing late but has evolved into a serious threat. Standing 6-foot-4 with an 80-inch reach, he carries real one-punch power. His style leans more toward timing and counter shots rather than volume. If Miller leaves an opening, Ibeh has the tools to exploit it.
Tale of the Tape
Both men are massive heavyweights with similar builds. Miller often enters the ring at over 300 pounds, while Ibeh hovers around the 280 to 290 mark. They are the same height, so this is not a size mismatch. It will come down to who uses that size better.
Miller thrives in close range. He presses forward behind a high guard and buries his opponents in body shots and uppercuts. He overwhelms through volume rather than explosive single shots. Ibeh, on the other hand, uses range and prefers picking moments to strike with power.
Defensively, neither man is slick. Miller tends to absorb punches with his chin and gloves, while Ibeh is calmer under fire but not immune to getting clipped. In a division where one punch can end it all, defense might be the X-factor.
What’s at Stake
This is a career-defining fight for both men.
For Miller, a loss likely ends any dream of another title run. He risks being labeled a gatekeeper—still a tough test, but no longer a serious contender. A win, especially an impressive one, puts him back in the conversation and opens doors to bigger paydays and possible eliminators.
For Ibeh, it’s the kind of breakthrough fight every journeyman dreams about. Beating a former world-level opponent at Madison Square Garden could fast-track him into the top 20. It could lead to fights with fringe contenders or even title eliminators. Everything is on the line.
Keys to Victory
- Miller must stay composed early. He cannot walk in expecting to bully Ibeh without setting traps. The jab and head movement will be key to closing distance without eating counters.
- Body work is where Miller shines. If he can back Ibeh into the ropes and work the midsection, his volume may break the younger man down over time.
- For Ibeh, the early rounds are critical. That’s when Miller is most vulnerable to timing mistakes. If Ibeh can land clean shots and disrupt Miller’s rhythm, he could score a knockdown or even a stoppage.
- Defense will also matter. Ibeh must protect himself in the middle rounds when fatigue sets in and Miller starts pouring on the pressure.
Prediction
This fight has upset potential. Ibeh is confident and powerful. He is not just showing up to survive. But Miller’s experience, size, and pressure style give him the edge—if he is in shape and focused.
Expect a competitive first half of the fight with Miller gradually taking control in the later rounds. A decision win or late stoppage for “Big Baby” is the likely outcome.
Looking Ahead in the Heavyweight Landscape
Heavyweight boxing never lacks drama. This matchup has all the ingredients—two big punchers, one legendary venue, and careers hanging in the balance.
Whoever wins will earn more than just a paycheck. They will gain momentum in one of the sport’s most unpredictable divisions.
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