In 1879 he defeated Duncan Ross walking over 102 miles (164 km) in 24 hours and drew with the champion weight-lifter Richard Pennell, both lifting 1550 lbs.

[2] He met Larry Foley, who came out of boxing retirement to fight a gloved battle using the newer and somewhat safer Marquess of Queensberry Rules against him in Sydney, New South Wales on 28 May 1883 for the championship of Australia.

Unofficially declared a draw, the forty round bout and the £500 purse were given to Miller on 29 May when Foley conceded he had lost the fight.

The contest lasted three hours and would have been called far earlier if held today, as Foley took a great deal of punishment.

Around the 40th round, spectators climbed into the ring, and the police were forced to stop the fight, with the referee postponing the ruling or calling a temporary draw til the following day.