Pero took control early, working behind a stiff jab from mid-range and preventing Whitfield from getting close enough to generate sustained offense. The 6-foot-5 southpaw mixed in hard shots downstairs, forcing Whitfield to absorb punishment whenever he tried to work his way inside.
The difference became more pronounced as the fight progressed. Whitfield had difficulty getting past Pero’s reach, while the Cuban remained comfortable dictating the distance and picking his spots.
By the third round, the accumulated punishment had taken its toll. Pero continued landing clean shots as Whitfield offered little in r
