Lenier Pero Signs With Matchroom, Returns April 18 in Florida

Orlando, Florida - ​Cuban heavyweight Lenier Pero (11-0, 8 KOs) has officially signed a co-promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing and BoxLab Promotions, marking a key step forward in his career. The 32-year-old southpaw will return to the ring on April 18 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, headlining a card designed to reintroduce him to the global spotlight.

Pero, a 2016 Olympian and former Pan-American Games gold medalist, has been plagued by inactivity since turning professional in 2019. Despite limited action, he enters this next chapter riding a five-fight knockout streak and currently holds a No. 4 ranking with the WBA.

His opponent, Detrailous Webster (9-4, 5 KOs), is expected to provide little resistance. Webster is unranked by any major governing body and currently sits outside the top 300 in independent rankings. While the matchup lacks competitive sizzle, it serves a clear purpose: getting Pero back into the ring and building momentum in 2025.

The announcement of Pero’s signing is noteworthy beyond the fighter himself. For Matchroom Boxing, it signals a renewed push to reassert itself in the heavyweight picture. With most top names currently aligned under Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, and Oleksandr Usyk functioning as a free agent, Hearn's heavyweight roster has thinned considerably—aside from Anthony Joshua, who remains Matchroom’s flagship star.

Eddie Hearn acknowledged the significance of Pero’s arrival:

“The heavyweight division is always evolving, and Lenier has the tools to become a real contender. We’re excited to be working with Amari and the BoxLab team on his progression. We’ll be looking for him to make a big impression on the division this year.”

Pero’s amateur career was highly decorated. He won Youth Olympic gold in 2010, claimed Pan-Am titles in both 2011 and 2015, and competed at super heavyweight in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he beat Italy’s Guido Vianello before falling to Filip Hrgovic in the quarterfinals.

Professionally, Pero has looked sharp in flashes—particularly in his 2023 win over Victor Vykhryst (aka Viktor Faust), which remains the best name on his résumé to date. However, his overall level of opposition has been modest, and questions remain about how he’ll fare against stiffer tests in the top 15 or beyond.

Pero’s last fight came in March 2023, making this upcoming April return his first bout in over a year. His handlers are aware that staying active will be crucial if he’s to mount a serious campaign toward a world title. With a lean and mobile 6’4” frame, a 79-inch reach, and sharp southpaw angles, Pero has a unique toolbox—but at age 32, the window is narrowing.

“This is the next step,” Pero said. “I’m ready to show everyone why I’m an undefeated force in the heavyweight division. The time is now.”

With the Cuban heavyweight renaissance showing no signs of slowing down, Lenier Pero is hoping to become the next breakout name. But first, he’ll need to prove he can string together performances and maintain a steady schedule.

April 18 is about more than a win—it’s about reminding the boxing world that Lenier Pero still matters.