Jarrell Miller Defeats Pero By Decision

Las Vegas, NV — April 26, 2026 — In a grueling, high-volume heavyweight scrap at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday night (April 25), Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (now 28-1-2, 22 KOs) outworked and outlasted previously unbeaten Cuban southpaw Lenier Pero (13-1, 8 KOs) over 12 hard rounds to capture a WBA heavyweight title eliminator.  

The judges scored the bout 117-111, 117-111, and 115-113, all for Miller. The American heavyweight, weighing in at a massive 305 pounds (more than 50 pounds heavier than Pero’s 251.4), used relentless pressure, inside work, and superior size to wear down his technically sharper opponent after a competitive early going. 

Fight Breakdown: Slow Start, Dominant Finish

Pero, ranked No. 2 by the WBA and entering as a dangerous prospect, controlled the opening rounds with sharp southpaw jabs, body work, and counters. Miller absorbed early punishment but began imposing his will by mid-fight, backing Pero to the ropes and landing heavy hooks and uppercuts in phone-booth exchanges. 

By rounds 4–8, Miller’s volume and physicality took over. He threw over 1,000 punches in the fight, landing enough clean power shots to visibly fatigue Pero, who showed signs of exhaustion against the ropes. The Cuban rallied in spots with counters and body shots in the later rounds, but Miller’s pressure proved too much over the championship distance. 

Post-fight, Miller positioned himself back in the heavyweight title picture, calling out big names like Deontay Wilder while crediting improved conditioning (for him) at 305 pounds. This win keeps the controversial 37-year-old relevant after past PED issues derailed bigger opportunities, including a 2019 title shot against Anthony Joshua. 

Undercard Highlights: Standout KO and Competitive Bouts

The Matchroom Boxing card on DAZN delivered fireworks beyond the main event:

• Alan Chaves def. Miguel Madueno by KO (Round 3, 1:26): In the co-main event (lightweight, 10 rounds), Argentina’s Alan Chaves made a thunderous U.S. and Matchroom debut. Chaves dropped Madueno with a monstrous left hand that left the veteran out cold on the canvas — a legitimate Knockout of the Year candidate. Chaves dominated with body work and power from the opening bell.  

• Damian Sosa def. Freudis Rojas by Unanimous Decision (96-93 x3): Super welterweight (10 rounds). Sosa’s nonstop pressure and work rate broke down the more skilled Rojas, taking control after the midpoint and securing a clear victory. 

• Nishant Dev def. Juan Carlos Guerra Jr. by TKO (Round 2, 2:57): Super welterweight (8 rounds). The highly touted Dev put on a showcase, dropping and stopping Guerra with superior skill and power in a one-sided affair. 

• Angel Barrientes def. Luis Espinoza by Unanimous Decision (80-72 x3): Super bantamweight (8 rounds). A dominant, shutout performance for Barrientes.