Audio By Carbonatix
Luis Ortiz will not replace Jarrell Miller as world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua's opponent on 1 June, the Cuban's promoter has said.
Joshua was due to fight Miller at New York's Madison Square Garden - the British fighter's US debut.
But Miller was denied a licence after an "adverse finding" from a sample taken on 20 March.
King Kong Boxing accused Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn of using Ortiz, 40, as a "gimmick".
"We just received news from promoter that it's a no-go and it was all a gimmick and Hearn's low-ball offers will not be accepted," wrote King Kong Boxing on Instagram.
"No contract even ever got sent so sorry to all the loyal fans. Luis really wanted this title shot."
A new opponent for IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua is expected to be announced this week, with Hearn having said the boxer's "preparations continue" and that eight boxers were being considered as Miller's replacement.
Among those under consideration and named by Hearn were Ortiz, Poland's Adam Kownacki and American Michael Hunter.
Ortiz has lost just once in 32 fights, against WBC champion Deontay Wilder in March 2018.
Latest Stories
-
Teshie launches Homowo 2026 with renewed commitment to peace, security and cultural heritage
2 hours -
Maritimo target Ghanaian winger Nana Kofi Donkor after impressive season in Georgia
4 hours -
Ghanaian youngster Isaac Assibu signs new Malmo deal, earns first-team promotion
6 hours -
Prince Owusu completes four-year move to DAC 1904
6 hours -
Etihad Airways and Africa World Airlines sign strategic partnership agreement
6 hours -
When Politics Meets Perception: Will Ken Ofori-Atta return to Ghana?
9 hours -
Peace must be the hallmark of Homowo 2026 – DCOP Asiedu
9 hours -
‘Ghana lost a president, but I lost a mentor and a friend’ – Mahama pays tribute to Atta Mills
10 hours -
Ghana’s High Commissioner to UK commits to support Team Ghana at Commonwealth Games
10 hours -
Photos: Flood Mitigation Task Force begins phased dredging, demolition exercise in Accra
11 hours -
ICC top prosecutor removed over sexual misconduct allegations
11 hours -
Glasgow 2026: Ghanaian boxer Abdul Wahid Omar eliminated after unanimous points defeat to Patris Mughalzai
11 hours -
Ghana Gas CEO Judith Adjobah Blay earns Master of Laws degree from University of Nottingham
11 hours -
Gender Minister leads monitoring exercise to strengthen School Feeding Programme
11 hours -
Gov’t advocates capacity building for Ghana’s creative industry at interior design masterclass
11 hours