Heavyweight hope Dainier Pero believes in himself, and trainer Bob Santos

The bond between heavyweight prospect Dainier Pero and his coach Bob Santos was evident during a recent media workout, where Pero sported a T-shirt featuring his coach’s name and achievements.

Pero is set to return to the ring on October 19 in a non-televised undercard fight at Caribe Royale Orlando. He is the only fighter on the card not featured in a televised matchup. Pero’s appreciation for Santos’s guidance was clear, underscoring the trust that has developed between them.

Pero, 8-0 (6 KOs), has faced challenges in securing fights, with several bouts falling through in his short career. Santos has drawn comparisons between Pero and former two-division undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, who currently holds three of the four major titles in the heavyweight division. “He is a bigger version of Usyk,” Santos told BoxingScene earlier this year. “He is physically bigger than Usyk, but he has the boxing skills of Usyk.”

This mentorship has been pivotal for Pero, who emphasized the importance of their relationship when he said: “It’s great to have someone like Bob Santos in my corner, because he’s someone who really trusts me, and I trust him as well. That’s what you need from a trainer.” 

As a professional, Pero has only gone 16 rounds in his eight fights. The 2020 Cuban Olympian is approaching his third year as a professional and recognizes that this fight represents a significant opportunity for his career, serving as a potential gateway to larger bouts.

“I’m very grateful to be on this amazing card,” Pero said. “People can expect that I’m going to give my best in the ring and represent myself and my people well.”

As he prepares for the challenge ahead, Pero maintains a grounded mindset, focusing on one fight at a time. He is currently on a four-fight knockout streak, with his most recent victory coming on July 26, when he knocked out James Evans in the fifth round. That was the first time he had gone beyond four rounds.

“I’m going to keep taking it one fight at a time,” Pero said. “No matter what happens, I’m never going to give up, and I’m going to keep fighting for what I want.”