British cruiserweight star Jordan Thompson will step up to heavyweight when he returns from a two-year ring absence in Orlando on Saturday October 11.
The 32-year-old Manchester-born star (15-1) makes the move up from cruiser to face unbeaten Cuban contender Lenier Pero (12-0 with 8 KOs), who is ranked number 3 by the WBA in their latest top 15.
Thompson suffered his first pro defeat in his last outing, when he challenged the big-punching Aussie Jai Opetaia for the IBF cruiserweight title in London in September 2023. But now he is back at a new weight, and with a big chance to make an immediate impression in the fight game’s marquee weight class.
Thompson ‘blessed to be back’
He said: “I feel very blessed to be back with another huge opportunity headlining a Matchroom boxing show again. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and you are going to see my best as a Heavyweight. I’ll be ready for whatever the night and occasion brings, and I want to thank Frank Smith and the Matchroom team for putting it together.”
Pero, a former amateur standout, will be a formidable opponent – he himself is closing in on the big fights at heavyweight. Matchroom supremo Eddie expects a cracking scrap.
Hearn expects a cracker
“It’s great to be back in Orlando for our third show at the brilliant Caribe Royale,” said Hearn.
“The Heavyweight division is evolving rapidly, and Lenier is well placed to stake his claim for the big fights in the glamour division, but Jordan can put paid to those plans as he makes his bow in the division.”
Pero meanwhile is equally confident ahead of the clash with Thompson, explaining: “Every fight is a step toward greatness, and November 1 is no different. I respect Jordan Thompson, but this is my time. In front of the fans in Orlando and everyone watching on DAZN, I’m going to show why I’m undefeated – and why I’m destined to become the first Cuban Heavyweight Champion of the World.”
US Olympic hero also in action
US Olympic hero Omari Jones (3-0 3 KOs) also steps through the ropes for the fourth time as a pro on the Orlando show, and the Paris 2024 bronze medal winner has impressed greatly in the paid ranks to date, winning all three of his bouts inside the distance.
The 22-year-old returns to the hometown venue that he made his pro debut in back in March, and he’ll be looking to make it four wins from four over six rounds in November, just six days before his 23rd birthday. Hearn is expecting him to finish the year in style.
“Omari has had an outstanding start to life in the professional game, taking everything in his stride both in and out of the ring, and he can finish a great year in style at home in November.”
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