Philippines, 12 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando

PhilBoxing.com





WBA #7-ranked contender faces dangerous puncher Donald Haynesworth live on Boxlab Promotions YouTube Channel

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 17, 2026) — Boxlab Promotions undefeated Cuban heavyweight Dainier “The Fear” Pero (12-0, 9 KOs) continues his steady march toward world-title contention as he prepares to defend his WBA Continental USA Heavyweight title against hard-hitting veteran Donald Haynesworth (19-9-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round showdown. The bout takes place this Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, as part of an action-packed card streamed live worldwide on the Boxlab Promotions YouTube Channel, giving fight fans global access to one of the heavyweight division’s rising stars.

A SHARP CAMP IN LAS VEGAS
Currently ranked #7 by the WBA, Pero understands that every performance at this stage carries major implications in a stacked heavyweight division. Pero has wrapped up an intense training camp in Las Vegas under the guidance of renowned trainer Bob Santos, and the Cuban standout believes this preparation has elevated him to another level. Speaking about camp, Pero expressed confidence in the work he’s put in.

“This camp with Coach Bob Santos has been about sharpening every tool I have,” said Pero. “We didn’t just train hard, we trained smart. Every day was focused on discipline, conditioning, and refining my technique. I feel stronger, faster, and more complete than ever. Training in Las Vegas pushes you to another level. Being around elite fighters, that championship atmosphere, it forces you to raise your standard. I’m not just training to win…I’m training to dominate.”

A DANGEROUS OPPONENT IN HAYNESWORTH
Standing across from Pero will be the heavy-handed Donald Haynesworth, a fighter with 17 knockouts in 19 wins, a clear sign of his power. Pero is not taking this fight lightly.

“Haynesworth can punch, his record show that,” he continued. “In the heavyweight division, one mistake can change everything. That’s why I respect every opponent. But I’ve prepared for everything he brings. I’m younger, I’m hungry, and I’m evolving with every fight. He’s coming to upset the rankings — I’m coming to prove I belong at the top.”

DEFENDING THE WBA CONTINENTAL USA TITLE
For Pero, defending his WBA Continental USA belt isn’t just about keeping his belt, it’s about strengthening his path toward a world title.

“Defending this title represents progress. It represents the climb. Every defense pushes me closer to my ultimate goal, a world championship. I don’t want to just defend it. I want to defend it in a way that leaves no doubt.”

WHAT A WIN MEANS FOR THE FUTURE
With a current WBA ranking of #7, Pero knows that a dominant performance could move him even closer to elite-level opportunities. Considered one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division, Pero realizes winning is everything.

“A big win here puts my name even louder in the heavyweight conversation,” Pero concluded. “I’m not here to stay in the middle of the rankings, I’m here to challenge for the top. Every fight is a step toward the world title. February 20 is another step forward. I’m ready to show the world that Dainier Pero is coming, and I’m coming fast.”




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán on Barcelona-Real Madrid La Liga finals
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki Fires Warning Shot at Chris Billam-Smith Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 07 showdown on June 6
    , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Judgement Day coming this Friday In Germany for Paddy Donovan
    , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Six Rounds to Silence the Magic Man: Why Rolando Dy is Malignaggi’s Worst Nightmare
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • The Eternal Contender: Inside Nonito Donaire’s Record-Breaking Title Run
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • Boxing trio reunited up there
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • 1st CK Ingles Chess Kings Set to Kick Off
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • Zhu Outguns "The Assassin" Ian Abne in Cebu Thriller, Earns Shot at IBF Champ Taduran
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Arañas Survives Harsh Knockdown, Stops Noynay to Claim WBF Strap in Cebu (Fist of Fury X Results)
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Mindoro faces strong Mexican opponent
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Blood, Grit, and Iron: Zhu Outlasts Abne in a Cebu War
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Tickets ON SALE NOW for Abdullah Mason-Joe Cordina at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
    , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia bags gold in ASEAN E-Sports chess qualifying round
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Wardley vs Dubois: Heavyweight Tussle in Manchester
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Fireworks Expected as Cebu's Arañas and Noynay Rumble for WBF Silver Belt
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Keyshawn Davis: "Nahir Albright’s Going To Be the Fourth Guy I Stop in a Row!"
    , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Cinco De Mayo, A Historic Celebration Of Boxing
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Abne, Zhu Make Weight for IBF Eliminator in Cebu; Winner Fights Taduran
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • IBA presents stacked fight card for May 21 event in Mexico City
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Laurente to promote amateur boxing
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Heavyweight Gustavo Trujillo Has a New Date Returns May 30 at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Toro Promotions & Whitfield Haydon Officially Announce ‘Sizzling Summer Boxing Series’
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Drives ASAPHIL’s Winning System Through Long-Term Vision and Coaching Continuity
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Dy ready to face Malignaggi in BKB on May 16
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 07 May 2026
  • ‘A younger lion always comes for that old lions spot. Your time is up, GET OUT OF MY WAY! – Manny Ritti challenges former ONE FC World Champion Nobutsu Suzuki May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Thu, 07 May 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.