A pair of Olympians are set to be showcased on November 1 at Caribe Royale in Orlando on
DAZN, Matchroom Boxing announced on Monday.
In the main event,
Lenier Pero (12-0, 8 KOs), a 2016 Olympian from Cuba, will take on
Jordan Thompson (15-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight clash.
In the co-feature, 2024 United States Olympic bronze medalist
Omari Jones will be showcased in a hometown bout against an opponent yet to be determined.
The junior middleweight prospect Jones (3-0, 3 KOs) made his pro debut in March and has stopped each of his first three opponents inside of a combined six rounds.
“Every fight is a step toward greatness, and November 1 is no different. I respect Jordan Thompson, but this is my time,” said Pero. “I’m going to show why I’m undefeated – and why I’m destined to become the first Cuban heavyweight champion of the world.”
The 32-year-old Pero is ranked No. 3 by the WBA. In April,
weeks after signing a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and BoxLab, Pero scored a 10-round unanimous decision win against Detrailous Webster.
“The heavyweight division is evolving rapidly, and Lenier is well placed to stake his claim for the big fights in the glamour division, but Jordan can put pay to those plans as he makes his bow in the division,” said Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn.
Thompson has not fought since September 2023 when he suffered the lone loss of his career against Ring and IBF cruiserweight champion
Jai Opetaia by fourth-round stoppage. The bout against Pero will mark Thompson’s debut as a heavyweight.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity, and you are going to see my best as a heavyweight,” Thompson said. “I’ll be ready for whatever the night and occasion bring.”
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.