
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
-
Nigeria’s Seplat Energy resumes operations as oil workers halt strike action
41 minutes -
Nigeria launches manhunt after abductions by bandits in northwest Zamfara
50 minutes -
Kenya fuel executives resign as state probes supply chain irregularities
1 hour -
Senegal bans ministers from foreign travel as oil price rise bites
1 hour -
Nigerian army rescues 31 hostages after church attack
1 hour -
Spain’s huge pork industry seeks salvation from swine fever threat
2 hours -
Trump declares victory after rescue but threats to US operation in Iran still loom
2 hours -
US Secret Service investigates reports of gunfire near White House
2 hours -
Current account stability to mitigate pressure on cedi; currency to end year at GH¢11.40 to a dollar
2 hours -
Oil back above $110 after expletive-laden Trump threat to Iran
2 hours -
T-bills auction: Government records 32% undersubscription; interest rates rise again
2 hours -
Economy to remain relatively insulated from fallout of US–Iran conflict – Fitch Solutions
2 hours -
Leeds draw Chelsea, Man City face Southampton in FA Cup semis
4 hours -
Messi and Suarez score as Inter Miami draw at new stadium
4 hours -
Liverpool ‘gave up’ in FA Cup exit – Van Dijk
4 hours