“He’s a tough guy with a big chin,” Atlas said. “It’s remarkable for a guy that heavy to have the stamina, the motor that he’s showing because he’s usually a very busy guy coming up.”
Still, Atlas believes mileage can become a serious problem for heavyweights that depend on pressure and output.
Atlas focuses on the “car”, and that is the real concern. Miller’s entire style is built on high-volume pressure. Most guys his size throw 30 punches a round; Miller tries to throw 60.
As Atlas noted, carrying that extra weight while trying to maintain that output, especially after the damage he took from Dubois and Ruiz, is a recipe for a physical breakdown. If Pero can use his amateur pedigree to move and make Miller miss, Miller’s body may eventually rebel against the pace he’s trying to set.
“He gets older and carries that weight around for so long, it can have a wear and tear on you physically,” Atlas said when discussing Miller’s condition entering the fight.
The question is whether a 37-year-old heavyweight can survive the cumulative damage of three consecutive “wars” while still carrying the heaviest frame in the division. Miller’s age, ring attire, weight and the volume of punches he relies on have a carryover effect.
Pero, 33, may not have Miller’s profile, but Atlas described the Cuban southpaw as a disciplined opponent who works the body, counters effectively and avoids wasting punches. He said Pero’s style could make for a difficult night if Miller can’t keep up a high pace.
“He will make you miss and make you pay,” Atlas said.
What Miller has in his favor is that Pero is not considered one of the dangerous punchers in the division. He doesn’t throw a lot of punches, and he gets hit. The Cuban-born Pero did not look impressive in his last fight against Jordan Thompson last November. He was forced to go the distance with a fighter who knocked out cruiserweight Jai Opetaia in four rounds in his previous fight.
The fight offers great value for both men. Miller looks to push himself back into the title picture, while Pero has a chance to score the biggest win of his career. Atlas’ view was clear: Miller’s name still carries weight, but the physical questions haven’t gone away.
Miller vs. Pero headline this Saturday, April 25 in a 12-round fight at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN.
