Boxing
Trainer compares Cuban heavyweight to Oleksandr Usyk
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Trainer Bob Santos believes his Cuban heavyweight fighter Dainier Pero can be compared to Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion earlier this year, the first of the four-belt era.
He has since given up the IBF belt, which will be defended by Daniel Dubois against Anthony Joshua, live on DAZN on September 21.
Pero’s most recent fight was against James Evans, moving to 8-0 with six knockouts.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Santos explained his comparison. “I keep telling everybody, he's a bigger version of [Oleksandr] Usyk,” he said.
“I’m not saying he’s Usyk or that he’s accomplished what Usyk has, but in terms of foot speed, hand speed, he can do virtually everything Usyk can do – just 30 pounds bigger and only 24 years old. He has that type of ability.”
Santos continued: “At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to how he chooses to live his lifestyle outside the ring
“As the money comes in, how much desire and hunger does he have? I talk with him all the time. The sky’s the limit for you, but you’ve got to stay hungry. You’ve got to stay consistent.
“When you look at Pero, who I believe was the youngest heavyweight ever to make the Olympic team in Cuba, the guy’s got a certain skill set. But what it is going to come down to is heart, desire and want. If that’s there, look out.
“If Pero can stay the course, keep that kind of hunger and desire, we might just have the first Cuban heavyweight champion in history on our hands.”
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