MVP announced that MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 12 will return to the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL on Friday, May 9, available globally for free on both DAZN.com and the DAZN app with no subscription required.
Boxlab Promotions serves as the official licensed promoter.
The main card of Most Valuable Prospects 12, sponsored by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, Fansly and Event Ticket Center, will be headlined by 25-year-old undefeated Cuban Olympian Dainier “The Fear” Pero (10-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight bout against 25-year-old Mexican heavyweight Cesar “Chaka” Navarro (13-2, 11 KOs). In the co-main event, Orlando, Florida’s Corey “2Smoove” Marksman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) will aim to preserve his undefeated record as he faces off against Huntington Beach, California’s fellow undefeated powerhouse Tayden “The Butcher” Beltran (10-0-1, 5 KOs) in an 8-round lightweight bout contested at 135 lbs. Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects 12 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Headlining the main card to defend his WBA Continental USA heavyweight title in a 10-round heavyweight fight is Cuban Olympian Dainier “The Fear” Pero (10-0, 8 KOs), the 25-year-old 6’5” talent who will make his fifth appearance on the Most Valuable Prospects series following his current six-bout TKO winning streak. Pero, coming to the ring from Orlando, Florida by way of Camaguey Cuba, has been a series regular and crowd favorite, competing on Most Valuable Prospects 5, 6, 7, and 10, where he most recently defeated Walter Burns in December 2024 in a sensational first-round TKO. Pero is promoted by Boxlab Promotions. Facing him will be 25-year-old heavyweight Cesar “Chaka” Navarro (13-2, 11 KOs). Navarro stands at 6’0” and comes to the ring from Phoenix, Arizona by way of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, known for his classic Mexican fighting style–aggressive, strong, and fast. He will look to test Pero’s rise in the division with his own sensational knockout power, having finished nine opponents by first round knockout so far in his pro career.
In the co-main event will be 24-year-old Florida native Corey “2Smoove” Marksman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) in an 8-round lightweight bout contested at 135 lbs. The talented prospect made a name for himself in his first major PPV appearance on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry main card in July 2024, in a rematch against Tony Aguilar. The pair’s first meeting resulted in a well-fought split decision draw, contested during MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 5 in February 2024. In the rematch, Marksman impressed, taking home a majority decision win. He now faces Huntington Beach, California’s undefeated powerhouse Tayden “The Butcher” Beltran (10-0-1, 5 KOs). Beltran has been making waves in the lightweight division since turning professional in September 2020. Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, the young prospect is eager to prove himself against a fellow rising prospect in Marksman.
“Most Valuable Prospects continues to be the ultimate proving ground for the next generation of boxing superstars to showcase their skills, and this card is stacked with serious talent ready to make their mark,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. “Dainier Pero has been on a dominant run, and defending his WBA Continental USA heavyweight title against a dangerous opponent like Cesar Navarro is exactly the kind of test that will push him to the next level. In the co-main, Corey Marksman and Tayden Beltran are two undefeated young killers, and only one of them is leaving with that zero intact on Friday, May 9th. Thank you to Boxlab Promotions and DAZN for sharing our vision and giving these rising stars the platform to shine.”
Caribe Royale is proud to partner with MVP in bringing another dynamite boxing event to Orlando,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions and Managing Director of the Caribe Royale Resort. “MVP continues its global growth just having done their first event in Canada, and now they return to Orlando showcasing the best young talent in boxing. We look forward to a spectacular event with this card that is stacked top to bottom!”
