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Jarrell Miller and Lenier Pero will clash in an eliminator for the WBA World Heavyweight title at the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday April 25, live worldwide on DAZN.
Miller (27-1-2 22 KOs) made his long-awaited return to the ring in New York in January at Madison Square Garden, beating Kingsley Ibeh over ten rounds via split decision in a bout remembered for a never-before-seen moment at the end of the second round when he ripped off his hairpiece after a flurry of punches from Ibeh dislodged ‘Big Baby’s’ mane. The charismatic Brooklynite was able to poke fun at himself and his viral fame following the incident, but focus now returns to action in the ring, with the 37 year old eager to put his name firmly in the mix for the biggest fights in the division, and a shot at the World title.
Victory over Pero would certainly put Miller into the conversation to fight the champions and leading contenders, but the Cuban will have other ideas. Pero (13-0 8 KOs) ranked #2 with the WBA, is chasing down a shot at the biggest prize in boxing, and the 2016 Olympian is back in the ring following a 13th win in the paid ranks in November, outpointing Briton Jordan Thompson at Caribe Royale in Orlando.
Miller and Pero went face-to-face in the ring after Pero’s win over Thompson, and they will do so again at 3pm ET on Thursday afternoon at that venue in Orlando for a launch press conference for the event, and they have both already stated the importance of this showdown as a huge step towards their World title dreams.
“The most exciting, the most entertaining Heavyweight in the world is back in action bringing the fireworks,” said Miller. “And remember, when you step in the ring with me, there’s always a price to toupee!”
“I respect Jarrell Miller and what he brings to the ring, but this is a big opportunity for me to keep moving forward,” said Pero. “I’ve worked my entire life for moments like this, and every fight is another step toward my goal of becoming a world champion.
“One thing I want to let the world know is that I’m coming with everything I got. I’m staying humble, focused, and I’m ready to show the fans in Las Vegas and around the world on DAZN the best version of myself on April 25”
“This is a big fight in the Heavyweight division,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Jarrell broke the internet in New York and went viral for his hairy moment against Ibeh, but he also picked up a good win and crucial rounds too. Jarrell now must take this opportunity by the scruff of the neck and put himself into the conversation for the big names in the division.
“Lenier is the man ranked at #2 with the WBA though, and he’s not going to want to let that slip through his fingers – so get ready for fireworks in a pivotal clash in Sin City, live on DAZN.”
Information on the undercard and ticket on-sale dates will be released in due course.
