Cuban heavyweight competitor Lenier Perez (13 wins, 0 losses, 8 by knockout) maintained his undefeated record by securing a 10-round unanimous decision victory against British heavyweight Jordan Thompson (15 wins, 2 losses, 12 by knockout) during Saturday night’s headline event at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.
(Credit: Zachariah Delgado Matchroom Boxing)
Thompson’s Sluggish Beginning Proves Costly Early On
Thompson began slowly, seemingly conceding the initial five rounds of the contest before finding his rhythm. By the point he began to compete with greater intensity, he was already at a disadvantage.
The judges’ scores read 97-93, 96-93, and 96-93.
Thompson’s salvation from a more significant defeat lay in Pero’s relatively slow hand speed and his noticeable weight. He didn’t present himself in peak physical condition. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn harbors significant hopes for Pero, but he appeared somewhat off his game.
Thompson Takes Significant Damage in Round Nine
Thompson suffered a blow in the ninth round from a left hook, immediately followed by a looping right hand from Pero. The timing could have been worse, as the damage occurred late in the round rather than earlier.
“It has been a lengthy absence of two years from the ring. I am simply happy to return and headline an event. Gratitude to Eddie and the team,” Jordan Thompson conveyed to Matchroom Boxing. “They have placed me back in a fantastic show. It was a wonderful opportunity.”
Thompson was making a return after a two-year break since his previous match against Jai Opetaia.
“Listen, I believed I was still in the fight. My start was a touch delayed. No issues there. I fully acknowledge that,” Thompson stated. “I absolutely felt like I was dictating the fight. I inflicted some damage upon him on several occasions. I felt as though I absorbed a few solid blows in there.”
“Once again, my two-year hiatus from the ring. I experienced considerable inactivity. I am returning from surgery. I am returning, rebounding from my initial loss, and transitioning to a new weight. I felt as though I more than held my own in there. I am certainly not out of my league.”
