Andy Ruiz Jr. Accuses Jarrell Miller of Dodging Rematch After Hairpiece Mishap

Ruiz claims Miller turned down a potential rematch after his embarrassing hairpiece loss to Kingsley Ibeh.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a boxing match, with the figures of the fighters broken down into sharp, geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the intensity and unpredictability of their rivalry.A cubist interpretation of the heated rivalry between heavyweight boxers Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jarrell Miller, whose past matchup was marked by dramatic twists and turns.Los Angeles Today

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. revealed that Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller declined a rematch after Miller infamously lost his $700 hairpiece during his recent win over Kingsley Ibeh. Ruiz said he was eager for a rematch to 'redeem' himself after their previous majority draw, but Miller opted to fight unbeaten Cuban heavyweight Lenier Pero instead.

Why it matters

The potential Ruiz-Miller rematch would have been a highly anticipated heavyweight clash between two fighters with a history of bad blood. Ruiz's accusations of Miller ducking the fight could further stoke tensions between the two boxers and their fanbases.

The details

In January, Miller was competing on the undercard of 'The Ring VI' event at Madison Square Garden when he suffered an embarrassing hairpiece malfunction. With about a minute left in the second round against Ibeh, a straight left from his opponent sent Miller's $700 toupee flapping off his head, revealing his bald scalp. Miller ripped off the hairpiece and continued fighting, going on to win the bout by split decision. Ruiz, watching from home, was shocked by the incident. After the fight, Ruiz claims Miller's camp reached out about a potential rematch, but Miller ultimately declined, opting to fight Pero instead.

  • In January 2026, Miller suffered the hairpiece mishap during his fight against Ibeh.
  • Approximately 3 weeks after the Ibeh fight, Miller's camp contacted Ruiz about a potential rematch.
  • On April 25, 2026, Miller fought and defeated Lenier Pero instead of rematching Ruiz.

The players

Andy Ruiz Jr.

A former unified heavyweight world champion who fought to a majority draw with Jarrell Miller in 2024.

Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller

A heavyweight boxer who suffered an embarrassing hairpiece malfunction during his recent win over Kingsley Ibeh, and then declined a rematch with Ruiz.

Kingsley Ibeh

A heavyweight boxer who landed a punch that sent Jarrell Miller's $700 hairpiece flying off during their fight.

Lenier Pero

An unbeaten Cuban heavyweight boxer who Miller fought instead of rematching Ruiz.

Fabio Wardley

A heavyweight boxer who was sitting near where Miller's hairpiece landed in the crowd after the incident.

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What they’re saying

“I was with my family, and we were watching the fight and we were so shocked. We're like, 'Whoa, what the heck just happened?'”

— Andy Ruiz Jr., Former Heavyweight Champion

“It didn't even stop him though; he just kept going. He ripped it off and continued to keep fighting. So, that was good, having that courage. It's an embarrassing moment, but he did what he had to do and he won. So, congratulations to him.”

— Andy Ruiz Jr., Former Heavyweight Champion

“After that fight, maybe 3 weeks later, he called me and told me that they're wanting us to fight, but he didn't want to go down that route. I was like, 'All right, well, go your own way and I'm gonna go my own way.'”

— Andy Ruiz Jr., Former Heavyweight Champion

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Ruiz and Miller will eventually agree to a rematch, or if their rivalry will continue to simmer without a resolution in the ring.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the unpredictable and sometimes bizarre moments that can occur in the world of professional boxing, where even the most seasoned veterans can be caught off guard by unexpected mishaps.