LAS VEGAS, NV (February 17, 2026) — Boxlab Promotions undefeated Cuban heavyweight Dainier “The Fear” Pero (12-0, 9 KOs) continues his steady march toward world-title contention as he prepares to defend his WBA Continental USA Heavyweight title against hard-hitting veteran Donald Haynesworth (19-9-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round showdown. The bout takes place this Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, as part of an action-packed card streamed live worldwide on the Boxlab Promotions YouTube Channel, giving fight fans global access to one of the heavyweight division’s rising stars.

A SHARP CAMP IN LAS VEGAS

Currently ranked #7 by the WBA, Pero understands that every performance at this stage carries major implications in a stacked heavyweight division. Pero has wrapped up an intense training camp in Las Vegas under the guidance of renowned trainer Bob Santos, and the Cuban standout believes this preparation has elevated him to another level. Speaking about camp, Pero expressed confidence in the work he’s put in.

“This camp with Coach Bob Santos has been about sharpening every tool I have,” said Pero. “We didn’t just train hard, we trained smart. Every day was focused on discipline, conditioning, and refining my technique. I feel stronger, faster, and more complete than ever. Training in Las Vegas pushes you to another level. Being around elite fighters, that championship atmosphere, it forces you to raise your standard. I’m not just training to win…I’m training to dominate.”

A DANGEROUS OPPONENT IN HAYNESWORTH

Standing across from Pero will be the heavy-handed Donald Haynesworth, a fighter with 17 knockouts in 19 wins, a clear sign of his power. Pero is not taking this fight lightly.

“Haynesworth can punch, his record show that,” he continued. “In the heavyweight division, one mistake can change everything. That’s why I respect every opponent. But I’ve prepared for everything he brings. I’m younger, I’m hungry, and I’m evolving with every fight. He’s coming to upset the rankings — I’m coming to prove I belong at the top.”

DEFENDING THE WBA CONTINENTAL USA TITLE

For Pero, defending his WBA Continental USA belt isn’t just about keeping his belt, it’s about strengthening his path toward a world title.

“Defending this title represents progress. It represents the climb. Every defense pushes me closer to my ultimate goal, a world championship. I don’t want to just defend it. I want to defend it in a way that leaves no doubt.”

WHAT A WIN MEANS FOR THE FUTURE

With a current WBA ranking of #7, Pero knows that a dominant performance could move him even closer to elite-level opportunities. Considered one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division, Pero realizes winning is everything.

“A big win here puts my name even louder in the heavyweight conversation,” Pero concluded. “I’m not here to stay in the middle of the rankings, I’m here to challenge for the top. Every fight is a step toward the world title. February 20 is another step forward. I’m ready to show the world that Dainier Pero is coming, and I’m coming fast.”

Current WBO Featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson moved up in a weight to stop Felix Caraballo in a non-title junior lightweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Top Rank promoted card was the 1st boxing event in the United States in almost three months due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

In round one, Stevenson was credited with a knockdown, when he landed a right hook to the body that saw Caraballo’s knee touch the ground.

Stevenson continued to batter Caraballo throughout the next several rounds, and in round six, Stevenson landed a perfect right to the body that sent Caraballo down and the fight was stopped at 1:31.

Stevenson, 130 lbs of Newark, NJ is 14-0 with eight knockouts. Caraballo, 130 lbs of Mayaguez, PR is 13-2-2.

“Everything about this fight week was different. After my last fight was canceled, I was happy to showcase my skills for all of the boxing fans,” Stevenson said. “He hit me with a couple shots, more than I’m used to, a couple jabs here and there. He was a tough guy, but I felt great in there after my training camp in Houston.”

Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum: “What a magnificent performance by Shakur Stevenson. He keeps on getting better, and rest assured, he is a future pound-for-pound superstar.”

Prospect Jared Anderson remained perfect by stopping Johnne Langston in round three of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

The two fought at a high-pace with Anderson landed a plethora of power punches. He distributed his punches nicely to the body and head. In round three, Anderson landed a hard left and right that forced Langston to slowly go to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:55.

Anderson, 236 1/2 lbs of Toledo, OH is 4-0 with four knockouts. Langston, 218 1/4 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 8-3.

“He took some good shots. He was a tough opponent. I did what I wanted to. I did some stuff I didn’t want to do. I got caught with a good shot. It didn’t hurt me, but I definitely got caught with it,” Anderson said. “I know a different opponent could hurt me with a shot like that. We’ll go back to the drawing board and see what I did wrong.
 
“This wasn’t what I expected, but it was a great experience. I’m happy I got the opportunity to showcase my talents on ESPN at such a young age.”

Heavyweight Guido Vianello kept his perfect knockout record intact as he stopped Donald Haynesworth in the first round of their six-round

In round one, Vianello dropped Haynesworth with a hard right hand. Haynesworth got to his feet, but referee Jay Nady stopped the bout at 2:16.

Vianello, 239 1/4 lbs of Rome, ITA is 7-0 with seven knockouts. Haynesworth, 294 1/2 lbs of New Rochelle, NY is 16-4-1.

“It was an interesting experience. I spent three days relaxing in my hotel room, but everything went according to plan,” Vianello said. “I knew the right hand would be there, so I worked to set up that shot. I could not have asked for anything more.”

Quintavious Cash won a six-round technical unanimous decision over Calvin Metcalf in a middleweight fight.

In round three Metcalf was cut on the forehead from a legal punch. Replays showed it was from a clash of heads. After replay review, the cut was ruled a clash of heads. Later, the cut opened worse around the left eye, and the fight was stopped before the end of the fight.

Cash, 160 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas, NV won by scores of 60-54, 60-55 and 59-55 to raise his mark to 12-2. Metcalf, 158 1/4 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 10-4-1.

Two-Time Olympic Gold Medal winner, Robeisy Ramirez stopped Yeuri Andujar in round one of their six-round featherweight bout.

Ramirez dropped Andujar with a straight left that was followed by an uppercut. With Andujar hurt, Ramirez finished the fight with a hard three-punch combination that dropped and stopped Andujar at 54 seconds.

Ramirez, 126 lbs of Cienfugos, CUB is 3-1 with three knockoutsl Andujar, 125.5 lbs of San Cristobal, DR is 5-4.

“It was an honor to be the first fight back, and I am proud of the performance I gave tonight. My pro debut is long behind me, and I am progressing with every fight. I hope to return shortly,” Ramirez said. “I have a great trainer in Ismael Salas, who continues to add dimensions to my game. He is the man to lead me to a world title.”

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank