ORLANDO, FL (July 15, 2026) – Undefeated heavyweight contender Dainier Pero (13-0, 10 KOs) has patiently climbed the rankings with dominant performances, but the talented Cuban believes his biggest opportunities are still ahead

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Ranked # 9 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), Pero returns to action on Saturday, August 8, 2026, when he squares off against Aleem Whitfield (10-1, 6 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. The fight will air live on ESPN as part of MVPW-05, presented by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in association with Boxlab Promotions.

For Pero, every fight is another opportunity to prove he belongs among boxing’s elite heavyweights. Although Whitfield enters the ring with an impressive record and plenty to gain himself, Pero isn’t overlooking the challenge.

“Aleem Whitfield is a good fighter, and anytime you step into the ring with someone who has only one loss, you know you’re facing someone who’s coming to win,” said Pero. “That’s why I prepared the way I always do, with complete focus and respect for my opponent. But I also believe in everything my team and I have been working toward. I’ve spent my entire career preparing for moments like this, and on fight night I plan to show why I’m one of the best heavyweights coming up in the sport.”

The former Cuban amateur standout understands that a victory would move him one step closer to the biggest names in the division.

“There is a lot on the line in this fight,” Pero explained. “A strong performance puts me in position for a chance to move even higher in the world rankings. My goal has always been to become heavyweight champion, and every opponent in front of me is another step toward that dream. I know what’s at stake, and I’m ready to take advantage of this opportunity.”

As his profile continues to grow, Pero says fans can expect the same aggressive, disciplined style that has made him one of boxing’s most exciting heavyweight prospects.

“When people watch me fight, I want them to see a heavyweight who can do everything,” Pero said. “I have the power to end a fight at any moment, but I also believe in using my boxing skills, movement, and ring IQ. I never step into the ring looking for an easy night, I come to give the fans an exciting performance every time. They’re the reason we do this, and I want them leaving the arena knowing they watched someone who’s ready for the top level.”

Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra has watched Pero’s development firsthand and believes the undefeated heavyweight is beginning to enter the prime of his career.

“Dainier has all the qualities you’re looking for in a future world title contender,” said Piedra. “He’s disciplined, he’s dedicated to improving every day, and he’s never shied away from challenging himself. His amateur pedigree speaks for itself, but what has impressed me most is how he’s continued to evolve as a professional.”

Piedra also believes Whitfield presents the type of challenge that can elevate Pero’s standing in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.

“Aleem Whitfield is a legitimate opponent, and that’s exactly the kind of fight Dainier needs at this stage of his career,” Piedra continued. “We’re not interested in taking shortcuts. We want Dainier to earn his place among the elite heavyweights by facing quality opposition. A convincing win on ESPN would be another major statement and continue building the momentum toward the marquee fights we know are coming.”

NEW YORK, NY – July 15, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced additional bouts for MVPW-05 on Saturday, August 8 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. MVP’s young Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado (9-1, 2 KOs) will return to the ring vs. Mexico’s Alondra Hernandez (10-2, 2 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight bout at 118lbs. She is joined by fellow Puerto Rican standout, MVP’s #7 WBA contender Jan Paul Rivera (15-0, 7 KOs) vs. Abraham Perfecto (14-2, 9 KOs) in an 8-round featherweight bout. Also joining the card will be MVP’s and Brazil’s undefeated Pedro Conceição (6-0, 4 KOs) in a 6-round welterweight bout vs. a to-be-named opponent. Boxlab’s Brownsville, Texas contender Sebastian Juarez (11-0, 8 KOs) vs. Houma, Louisiana’s Rance Ward (9-6-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round middleweight bout at 160lbs, and Boxlab’s and Orlando’s Cuban Olympian and #9 WBA contender Dainier “The Fear” Pero (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. New York’s Aleem Whitfield (10-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight bout, Brandon, Florida’s Angelo Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Venezuela’s Jose Fernandez (2-1, 2 KOs) in a 4-round featherweight bout at 126lbs, and Tampa’s Jadden Addison (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Ft. Lauderdale’s James Webb (1-0) in a 4-round lightweight bout at 135lbs. MVPW on ESPN showcases the sport’s most elite fighters with championship bouts on every card and will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. Tickets for MVPW-05 are on sale now at Ticketmaster. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-05 must apply HERE.

“Puerto Rico has always produced some of boxing’s biggest stars, and we’re proud to showcase two of the island’s brightest young talents in Krystal Rosado and Jan Paul Rivera on MVPW-05,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of MVP. “Combined with two world championship fights and rising contenders like Dainier Pero and Sebastian Juarez, MVPW-05 is another stacked card showcasing the world-class talent fans have come to expect from MVP.”

MVP’s rising bantamweight contender and Amanda Serrano’s protege, Krystal Rosado is a 23-year-old sensation and Carolina, Puerto Rico native who made her professional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 2 show in August 2023, stunning fans with a ferocious second-round KO. Rosado went on to collect a win on MVP’s historic Serrano vs. Ramos card in October 2023 before appearing in front of her home fans at the legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan as part of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland in March 2024, taking home a majority decision win, which she followed with a swift knockout victory at MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 7 in July 2024. She returned for Most Valuable Prospects 9 in October 2024 where she earned a UD win. Following another dominant unanimous decision victory in March 2025, Rosado participated in MVP’s historic fight week open workouts ahead of Netflix’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3, competing under equal rules with three-minute rounds and earning a unanimous decision victory. She then defeated Tania Walters on the Serrano vs. Tellez undercard in January 2026 and most recently defeated Fernanda Reyes on the main card of MVPW-02 live on ESPN in April 2026. She is the #5 WBA, #7 WBO, #8 IBF, and #17 WBC contender.

“The moment has arrived! With discipline, sacrifice, and heart, I’m ready to step into the ring and give it my all,” said Krystal Rosado. “I carry the pride of Puerto Rico with me every step of the way. Every training session has prepared me for this great challenge, and now all that’s left is to experience the battle on Saturday, August 8.”

Mexico City, Mexico’s Alondra Hernandez is a 20-year-old professional boxer. She contended for the WBC international flyweight title in May 2025, followed by a TKO win over Fatima Rodriguez Magallon in August 2025. She went on to face Amanda Galle on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 15 in September 2025, and most recently earned a 4th round TKO over Maria de Lourdes Garcia in March 2026.

#7 WBA and #12 WBO contender Jan Paul Rivera, the 24-year-old sensation from Salinas, Puerto Rico, was a decorated member of the Puerto Rican National Boxing Team, compiling over 200 amateur bouts and earning two consecutive Puerto Rico Elite National Championships in 2020 and 2021, along with a silver medal at the 2018 AIBA Youth World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Since turning professional, Rivera has quickly risen through the ranks, displaying exceptional technical skill, power, and composure while remaining undefeated across fights in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia. Most recently, he secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Daniel Bailey at MVP Fight Night in August 2025. He defeated Alfredo Cruz on Serrano vs. Tellez in January 2026 and Conrado Martinez in February 2026. 

“Returning to the ring on Saturday, August 8th in Florida is a great honor. Florida has become my second home, but I always bring Puerto Rico with me, and I’m proud to represent my island on this stage. This time it will be on ESPN, one of the best platforms in sports,” said Jan Paul Rivera. “I’m very grateful to Nakisa and Jake for giving me another opportunity to showcase my talent. I always give my best, and this time you’ll see a JP with even more desire for great opportunities. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible.”

Abraham Perfecto is a 23-year-old professional boxer from Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. The 5’8” prospect made his professional debut in 2021 with a TKO win and has been growing his name ever since. With four of his last five fights ending in knockout victory, Perfecto now looks to take on his next test in Jan Paul Rivera.

Pedro “Black Diamond” Da Silva Conceição is a 24-year-old Brazilian welterweight rising star fighting out of Boca Raton, Florida. Born in Espírito Santo, Brazil, Conceição brings a decorated amateur pedigree to the professional ranks. A three-time Brazilian national champion, Conceição also represented his country at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships in Colorado Springs and the 2018 Youth World Championships in Budapest, solidifying his reputation as one of Brazil’s most promising young talents at 147 pounds. He turned pro in 2022 and has built an undefeated record of 5-0, with 3 KOs. He earned a brutal second-round knockout over Renny Viamonte on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 14 in August 2025, his third straight knockout and a showing that earned him the MVP Performance of the Night bonus. Most recently, he defeated Gabriel Adryan Soares for the Brazilian welterweight title. 

Boxlab Promotions’ and Brownsville, Texas’s Sebastian Juarez is an undefeated 20-year-old prospect and younger brother to Omar Juarez, made his pro debut in 2023 and has remained undefeated since, winning his last two bouts by TKO in June and August 2025. Juarez faced Demarcus Layton on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 16 in October 2025, winning by first round TKO. He most recently defeated Ernesto Sanchez Rodriguez by decision in February 2026.

“I’m thankful to be working with MVP again in association with Boxlab Promotions,” said Sebastian Juarez. “It’s a true blessing to be a part of this platform and I’m excited to give the fans a tremendous performance.”

Rance Ward is a professional boxer from Houma, Louisiana. The 32-year-old made his professional debut in 2019, and has built a winning record since. Following a unanimous decision win in 2025, he suffered a setback loss in April 2026 and now looks to re-establish his winning streak against Juarez.

Orlando’s Cuban Olympian Dainier “The Fear” Pero, defending WBA Continental USA heavyweight champion, is a 26-year-old 6’5” talent who will make his sixth appearance on the Most Valuable Prospects series following his current six-bout TKO winning streak. Pero, coming to the ring from Orlando, Florida by way of Camaguey Cuba, has been a series regular and crowd favorite, competing on Most Valuable Prospects 5, 6, 7, 10, and 12 where he most recently defeated Cesar “Chaka” Navarro in defense of his title. He has retired back-to-back opponents since in January and February 2026. Pero is promoted by Boxlab Promotions.

“I’m excited to be back on a Jake Paul promoted card along with Boxlab Promotions,” said Dainier Pero. “I can’t wait to showcase my skills and prove I’m one of the best young heavyweights in boxing.” 

Aleem Whitfield is a 36-year-old pro boxer from Geneva, New York. He was a Golden Gloves finalist and USA national semi-finalist as an amateur, and has competed in boxing and bare-knuckle as a pro. He most recently defeated Julian Gomez by decision in April 2026. 

Angelo “Bulldog” Hernandez is a four-time National Champion with a 70-10 amateur record. A proud Mexican fighter from Tampa, Florida, Angelo made his pro debut in October 2025 with a first-round KO of Adam Vean. The 20-year-old prospect’s ultimate goal is to become a multiple-division world champion, and he’s committed to proving he belongs among the sport’s elite every time he steps into the ring.

José Manuel Fernandez is a professional boxer from Cabimas, Zulia, Venezuela. He came to the United States in search of greater opportunities to advance his boxing career and pursue his dream of competing at the highest level. José has dedicated himself to the sport since the age of nine, building his foundation through years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. José is coming off two consecutive knockout victories. His most recent performance was another dominant showing, the result of intense preparation and his commitment to making the most of every opportunity. 

Jadden Addison is a 21-year-old prospect from Tampa, Florida. He most recently earned a first round TKO defeat of Zavier Davis on the undercard of MVP’s MVPW-04: Oshae Jones vs. Elia Carranza 2 in June 2026 and now returns looking to extend his unbeaten streak as a pro. His opponent, James Webb, is a 29-year-old prospect from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Webb made his pro debut in October 2025, winning by unanimous decision.

The fifth installment of MVP’s new year-round global platform for women’s boxing is headlined by MVP’s and Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka Johnson (19-2, 8 KOs) vs. MVP’s and Denmark’s former unified champion and Boxrec’s #2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world Dina Thorslund (24-0, 9 KOs) in a potential Fight of the Year contender. In the co-main event, MVP’s and Australia’s unified IBF and WBO middleweight world champion Desley Robinson (12-3, 4 KOs) will make her next 10-round title defense against MVP’s #1 WBA, IBF, WBC and #2 WBO contender, 2x Canadian Olympian, and amateur world champion Tamm Thibeault (4-0, 3 KOs). The main card will also feature MVP and Dallas, Texas’s former world champion and current WBO, IBF, and WBA #4 contender Shurretta Metcalf (15-5-1, 2 KOs) vs. MVP and Ontario, Canada’s #7 IBF and #8 WBA contender Amanda Galle (12-1-1, 1 KO) in an 8-round super flyweight battle at 115lbs.

MVPW-05 is produced and marketed by MVP and promoted by MVP and Boxlab Promotions.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

About ESPN

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