Jarrell Miller and Lenier Pero are set to collide in a battle of fringe heavyweight contenders on April 25 in Las Vegas.
The contest will top a Matchroom-promoted event at Fontainebleau, the company announced Tuesday in confirming a BoxingScene breaking news report.
It will be the first time Miller, 27-1-2 (22 KOs), has been seen in a ring since his hairpiece was thumped out of place during his 10-round points win over Kingsley Ibeh in January.
“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!”
The 37-year-old, from Brooklyn, remains a marketable player in the heavyweight sweepstakes despite fighting only six times in as many years after he infamously tested positive for numerous banned substances in 2019, losing his opportunity to challenge Anthony Joshua in the process. Following that, Eddie Hearn stated he would never work with Miller again but, just last week, the promoter alluded to a change of heart.
“This is a big fight in the heavyweight division,” said 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.
In Pero, 13-0 (8 KOs), he meets an unbeaten – albeit largely untested – Cuban who is ranked No. 2 by the WBA. Though a decorated amateur the 33-year-old is yet to partake in a contest scheduled for more than 10 rounds. Over that distance, he outpointed Jordan Thompson on a Matchroom bill last November.
The only other truly noteworthy victory for the southpaw came in 2023 when he halted the then-unbeaten Viktor Vykhryst in eight rounds.
“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”
Light heavyweight Ben Whittaker was rumored to be on the undercard. However, it seems more likely he will instead appear in Liverpool, England, on April 18 when Matchroom’s Callum Smith takes on David Morrell. The unbeaten contender was not mentioned in Matchroom’s announcement on Tuesday.
