Jarrell Miller to return against unbeaten heavyweight in unlikely rekindling with Eddie Hearn

Mar 17, 2026 - 20:15

Jarrell Miller is reportedly set to lock horns with Lenier Pero in a crossroads fight on April 25.

The heavyweight titans will top a Matchroom event at Las Vegas’ Fontainebleau Hotel, according to BoxingScene.

Miller returns to action after his viral fight with Ibeh in January

Miller’s inclusion on the card is particularly surprising given his acrimonious history with Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn.

Hearn previously stated that he would never work with Miller again after his ill-fated fight with Anthony Joshua in 2019.

The contest collapsed after Miller tested positive for three separate banned substances in a pre-fight drug test, resulting in Andy Ruiz Jr stepping in to save the show.

At the time, Hearn called for Miller to face a ‘lifetime ban’.

However, they have seemingly rekindled their relationship.

Miller’s (27-1-2) next outing will be his first since his split decision win over Kingsley Ibeh in January.

During the bout, which landed on the Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson undercard, Miller had his hairpiece punched off by the heavy-handed Nigerian.

The moment garnered millions of views online and resulted in multiple high-profile media appearances for Miller.

Keen to strike while the iron is still hot, ‘Big Baby’ is gearing up for a quick turnaround against Cuban amateur standout Pero.

Pero (13-0) enjoyed a fruitful stint in the unpaid ranks, culminating in gold medals at the Youth Olympics, Youth World Champions and Pan American Games.

Pero will put his 13-0 record on the line against Miller in April

The event will be promoted by Hearn, who previously stated he would never work with Miller again

He also competed at the Rio 2016 Olympics, but was eliminated in the quarter finals by Filip Hrgovic.

As a professional, Pero has remained untested during a perfect 13-0 start.

His best win to date came in his last outing in November when he defeated former cruiserweight world title challenger Jordan Thompson via unanimous decision.

The only other notable win on his record was an eighth-round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Viktor Vykhryst.

Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker was expected to make his US debut at the end of April when Matchroom had earmarked the date for Jaron Ennis vs Vergil Ortiz.

It now seems more likely he will return on the Callum Smith vs David Morrell undercard on April 18.