Eddie Hearn names the ‘serious fight’ he wants to see in the heavyweight division

On April 25, at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Jarrell Miller vs Lenier Pero headlined a Matchroom Boxing card, live on DAZN. Miller ultimately emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision in the eliminator for the WBA heavyweight world title. With Miller now finding himself in line to face titleholder Oleksandr Usyk, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has identified a “serious fight’ he would like to make, involving Miller.

Jarrell Miller defeats Lenier Pero in April 25 Las Vegas showdown

Pero (13-1, 8 KOs) started the brighter, landing the cleaner shots in the opening two rounds. The American closed the distance effectively in the third and had the better of the exchanges on the inside. Miller (28-1-2, 22 KOs) had a higher work rate and carried more power than Pero, with the Cuban unable to keep Miller off. 

Miller’s high output and pressure approach saw him pull away as the fight went on. It felt like Pero just didn’t have the power to keep Miller off for any sustained period. He did seem to stun Miller a couple of times early on, but the American quickly shook those punches off and continued coming forward. 

The fight ultimately went to the judges’ scorecards, which read 117-111×2, and 115-113, all favouring Miller.

Eddie Hearn teases ‘serious fight’ for Jarrell Miller

Talking in the ring after the fight, Eddie Hearn teased a “serious fight” he would like for Jarrell Miller in the heavyweight division:

“For me, when I look at the fights in the division, as a promoter, you want a fight with great build-up. You want a fight with jeopardy.

“For me, the American fight is Deontay Wilder against Jarrell Miller. Run it in New York. That’s a serious, serious fight.”

Miller himself spoke after the fight, calling out various fighters, including Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. It remains to be seen what comes next for “Big Baby,” but whoever he does face next, it promises to be anything but boring.