LENIER Pero stumbled closer to the top level last night, outpointing Jordan Thompson over 10 rounds in Florida. Afterwards, ‘El Justiciero’ said he showed why he was highly ranked by the WBA. Beating a rusty visitor moved him up the rankings, but failed to move any needles when it comes to fan excitement.
“I think what I showed tonight in boxing is that you can always improve on things. But what I showed tonight is that I can improve on things. Also, I managed the three different ranges really well and I think that’s what was on display for me tonight,” he said through an interpreter.
Faced with a young, robust specimen, moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight, Thompson’s position as a puncher was verified by the winner.
“I would say that he does hit hard. But I want to say also that his combinations were quite repetitive. So when that happens, there aren’t many options for him to go through. I thought it was a competitive fight.”
With Thompson suitably dismissed and a piece of WBA hardware slung across the shoulder, Pero turned his attention to the next test. That arrived in the portly form of Jarrell Miller, who is pitching his services to anybody who will listen.
“Jarrell Miller, come inside [the ring]. I’m ready for whatever you want,” invited Pero.
While Miller is undeniably a character who can sell fights, his dodgy past can only be excused in a forgiving sport like boxing, where cash is king and morals are flexible.
“Listen man, you know I don’t run from nobody,” warbled Miller. “So I’ll cook him. I’ll turn him into a Cuban sandwich real quick. DAZN, Eddie, sign this boy up for an ass whooping.
“I think [Pero’s performance] was good. He did what he had to do. But if it was me I’d have laid him [Thompson] out in two or three rounds.
“But like I said, a win is a win. This is boxing. Anything can happen. He got the win and God bless him, but when he fights me, I’m smoking him.”
Once Miller had exited the ring, no doubt plotting his next flight to a fight town near you, causing more mischief, Pero offered a subtly brilliant take on Jarrell’s antics.
“He needs to start fighting people; he needs to make sure these fights don’t keep falling through. We see each other in Miami occasionally. I’m giving you the opportunity, let’s do it!”
