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Boxing
Can Pero offer Cuban title breakthrough with Miller eliminator?
Miller vs. Pero: Subscribe to watch - Saturday
Lenier Pero may not be a name many beyond the boxing hardcore have heard yet, but the star is bent on changing that.
Six-foot-three and a chunk, the Cuban was a decorated youth fighter at amateur level, winning a host of major medals.
But he, like so many of his countrymen, was forced to bide his time before he could embark on his professional journey.
Cuba's six-decade ban on boxing beyond state level has left several generations of would-be superstars out in the cold.
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Since 2022, Pero has built his way towards the top - and now, faces Jarrell Miller in a WBA final eliminator on Saturday.
Now, as he prepares for the 'Big Baby', can he offer his country a professional heavyweight title breakthrough in 2026?
Why did Pero wait to turn professional?
Pero is far from the only star to have been forced to bide his time, thanks to the half-century-plus decision of Cuba's government.
The nation banned professional sports in 1962, instead focusing its athletes on success at amateur level and the Olympic Games.
The legendary Teofilo Stevenson, a three-time gold-medalist between 1972 and 1980, is widely regarded as their finest export.
Since 2022 however, restrictions have been eased, allowing Pero - a Rio 2016 quarter-finalist - to compete upon the pro stage.
Eight years on from his exploits in Brazil, he arrives at the biggest bout of his career yet, and with plenty to prove on the canvas.
When could Pero break Cuba's heavyweight drought?
Should Pero come past Miller this weekend, he is effectively rewarded with a leading position for a WBA heavyweight title challenge.
Of course, boxing being boxing, matters aren't quite as clear-cut as that, with several further hurdles preventing a quick resolution.
The best case scenario for Pero would be for champion Oleksandr Usyk to accept his challenge after he battles Rico Verhoeven.
Given the Ukrainian already has a roadmap for an undisputed title bid however, the Cuban is likely on the outside looking in here.
Another more likely option would be a shot against WBA junior title holder Murat Gassiev, who keeps what is the "regular" belt.
Secure a crack against the latter before 2026 is up and Pero could technically be Cuba's first professional heavyweight champion with a win.
Who else could Pero face?
Of course, the likelihood of a title shot this year is slim despite the WBA's wishes, which may force Pero to look elsewhere.
Shy of Usyk being stripped, the likelihood is that the star will wish to keep active - and there's no shortage of potential foes.
The WBA's top-ranked player Moses Itauma is due back in action late in July, which would perhaps be too short of a turnaround.
Arslanbek Makhmudov, fresh off his loss to Tyson Fury, still holds a high ranking with the governing body - as does Pero's brother Dainier.
But perhaps the most personal pick would be Filip Hrgovic, the man who ended his run at Rio 2016 with a quarter-final victory.
Queensberry/Leigh Dawney
The Croatian is in action next month against Dave Allen, with Queensberry Promotions keen to keep their man busy as he bides his time.
That could prove to be an attractive proposition for Pero if there is no title movement. But he won't be getting ahead of himself quite yet.
First, there is Miller. Only when he has put 'Big Baby' to sleep can he dream about the world beyond - and they will be some big dreams too.
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
