Lenier Pero vs Jordan Thompson: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Lenier Pero has been on an upward trajectory in the heavyweight division, amassing a 12-0 record with eight of those wins coming by the way of knockout.

He will look to end his 2025 campaign with a bang Saturday night when he clashes with Jordan Thompson at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, and live on DAZN.

After producing five straight stoppage victories, Pero secured a unanimous decision win over Detrailous Webster in April. The Cuban heavyweight will be seeking a punctuating statement against Thompson (15-1, 12 KOs) who has not stepped into the ring since suffering a fourth-round TKO loss to Jai Opetaia in September 2023.

Will Pero blast Thompson to set up a higher stakes 2026? Or will Thompson hand the Cuban his first professional loss?

Here, DAZN News analyzes both heavyweights to see who has the edge entering their bout.

Boxing Styles

With agility for a heavyweight, Lenier Pero thumps with heavy hands whether off the jab or pressuring forward. At his best, the southpaw is stalking his way ahead but keeping a disciplined distance to fire from.

Meanwhile, Thompson works behind a jab well and has a cranking uppercut which carries pop.

If there is a knock to Pero’s style, it might be that the Cuban fighter overextends on shots, giving a more skilled opponent an opportunity to catch him in traffic with a pointed counterpunch.

Thompson also has vulnerabilities including standing his 6-foot-6 frame too upright at times — a tendency that leaves him open to quick punches.

In addition, Jai Opetaia had plenty of success when cramping Thompson’s quarters — something that Pero should look to exploit as well.

Edge: Pero

Power

Both these heavyweights possess one-punch power. Thompson, already counting 12 of his 15 wins by knockout, should have his power transfer from cruiserweight to heavyweight adequately.

However, Pero’s speed on his clubbing punches add to his power and could give Thompson some real issues.

It is the reason he just ekes by Thompson in this category.

Edge: Pero

Mental Warfare

During their press conference earlier in the week, Thompson called taking on Pero a calculated risk.

That might suggest Thompson does not believe Pero is as good as advertised.

To that, the Cuban heavyweight simply said: “I want to welcome my opponent Jordan Thompson but also say to him that this is not cruiserweight and you’ll see that Saturday night.”

Though Pero has fewer professional fights to his pro ledger, he has the amateur pedigree and experience that Thompson lacks. That, in addition to the Cuban’s supreme confidence, should help him this weekend.

Edge: Pero

Who has the edge in Pero vs Thompson?

DAZN News has Pero with the 3-0 edge heading into this bout but Thompson can certainly change that forecast with one punch. Both men have that kind of power.

The fact that the winner will set himself up for a big 2026 only adds to the intrigue in this pivotal heavyweight tilt which screams don’t blink.

Watch Pero vs. Thompson live on DAZN

Lenier Pero vs. Jordan Thompson is live on DAZN this Saturday night, November 1. Watch the fight and whole card with a DAZN subscription.

Annual and monthly options available, click here for pricing and options .