American Jarrell Miller (27–1–2, 22 KOs) defeated previously undefeated Cuban boxer Lanier Pero (13–0, 8 KOs) by unanimous decision in the heavyweight division, making him the official contender for a fight with Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk for the WBA title.
The Miller-Perot fight was the main event of the night in Las Vegas. This fight had the status of an “eliminator”: the winner became the official contender for Usyk's belt under the WBA line.
In the first round, Perot landed a powerful left hook, while in the third, Miller began to push the Cuban to the ropes. From the next round, he landed hooks and attacked his opponent's body. In the end, Miller landed more than 1,000 punches in 36 minutes, one of the highest rates in heavyweight history for a 12-round heavyweight fight.
The fight ended without any knockdowns, but Miller was awarded the victory by unanimous decision of the judges – 117:111, 117:111 and 115:113.
“I knew Perot would be tough, but I expected him to move a lot more. I wasn't looking for a knockout, I wanted to see what my physical fitness was,” ESPN quoted the winner as saying.
Following the victory, Miller challenged former WBC heavyweight champion and fellow American Deontay Wilder, who recently defeated Dereck Chisora by split decision.
“The fight that needs to be made is Deontay Wilder vs. Jarrell Miller in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It's going to be a big fight for American heavyweight boxing.”
Usyk himself is preparing for a fight against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, which will take place on May 23 in Egypt.