Jarrell Miller’s decisive victory over Lenier Pero positions him as the WBA heavyweight mandatory challenger, setting the stage for a potential title clash with Oleksandr Usyk or Daniel Dubois.
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is back in the title hunt after a commanding performance in Las Vegas. On April 25, 2026, Miller secured a 12-round unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Cuban contender Lenier Pero, headlining a DAZN card at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
This victory not only handed Pero his first professional loss but also established Miller as the WBA heavyweight mandatory challenger, placing him directly in line for a title shot against world champions Oleksandr Usyk or Daniel Dubois.
The fight began with Pero showcasing his technical prowess as a southpaw. In the opening rounds, he utilized his superior timing and sharp straight lefts to keep the 305-pound Miller at bay, even landing a heavy hook that snapped Miller’s head back in the first round. However, the tide began to turn in the fourth round as Miller’s significant weight advantage started to take effect.
Transitioning the bout into what analysts described as a “phone booth fight,” Miller closed the distance and unleashed a relentless body attack. Averaging nearly 85 punches per round, Miller’s high-volume output eventually wore down the Cuban Olympian. By the eighth round, Miller was landing powerful right hands with ease, forcing Pero into a defensive posture as he struggled to keep pace.
Despite Pero’s impressive resilience, he was unable to regain control of the fight. Miller’s suffocating pressure dictated the pace in the second half of the contest, leading to a clear victory on the judges’ scorecards.
With this win in the WBA Final Eliminator, Miller has positioned himself at the forefront of the heavyweight division. Currently, Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBA Super title, along with the WBC and IBF belts. However, Usyk’s immediate schedule is filled with unconventional crossover bouts, potentially opening the door for Miller to challenge Daniel Dubois or wait for the winner of the anticipated Usyk-Verhoeven clash.
Alternatively, a highly lucrative option for Miller could be a domestic “mega-fight” against Deontay Wilder, which would undoubtedly draw significant attention and financial backing.
As Miller looks ahead, the heavyweight landscape is ripe with opportunities, and fans are eager to see how his next chapter unfolds in the pursuit of a world title.
According to The Sunday Guardian, Miller’s performance has reignited his career and set the stage for exciting matchups in the heavyweight division.