Miller Secures Victory Over Pero, Earns Mandatory Title Shot Against Usyk

Jarrell Miller Dominates Lenier Pero by Unanimous Decision

According to Главком: Jarrell Miller outboxed Lenier Pero in Las Vegas, earning a unanimous decision win and securing his spot as the WBA's mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk. The American heavyweight threw over 1,000 punches across 36 minutes, impressing with his relentless work rate. The judges scored the bout 117-111, 117-111, and 115-113, with no knockdowns recorded during the contest.

Following the victory, Miller called out former champion Deontay Wilder, signaling his ambitions at the top of the division. He had previously beaten Derek Chisora by split decision. Now, his focus is on a potential showdown with Usyk, the unified WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight champion.

Usyk's Upcoming Fight Schedule

Usyk, meanwhile, is preparing to face Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt. That fight is a voluntary title defense sanctioned by the WBC. Notably, Usyk vacated the WBO belt earlier this year. His last bout took place in July 2025, when he stopped Daniel Dubois in the fifth round. Usyk still holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles and tops The Ring magazine's pound-for-pound rankings.

The Miller-Pero fight headlined a boxing card in Las Vegas, with the winner guaranteed a shot at Usyk's WBA heavyweight strap. In the opening round, Pero landed a sharp left hook, but from the third round onward, Miller began walking the Cuban fighter down, landing hooks and attacking the body.

Miller's win underscores his growing influence in the heavyweight division and opens the door for major fights ahead. A matchup with Usyk could be a career-defining moment for both men, given Usyk's status as one of the best in the weight class. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these events unfold and what the outcome of Usyk's next fight will bring.

As the heavyweight division heats up, the spotlight also shines on Usyk's upcoming bouts in Egypt and Greece, where he aims to defend his titles. With Miller now positioned as a mandatory challenger, the outcomes of these fights could significantly impact the landscape of heavyweight boxing, setting the stage for potential clashes that fans are eagerly anticipating.