Lenier Pero abruptly and stunningly concluded his heavyweight bout with Viktor Faust late in the eighth round on Saturday night in San Antonio.

Following a right hook to the body and a straight left to his head, Faust turned away from Pero, prompting referee Rafael Ramos to halt the action at 2:28 of the eighth round. The scheduled 10-round match was fiercely contested before Pero’s technical knockout victory marked the beginning of Showtime’s tripleheader from Alamodome.

Faust, hailing from Ukraine with a record of 11-1, 7 KOs, displayed greater activity throughout seven-plus rounds and managed to stagger Pero just before the third round concluded. Judges Ruben Carrion (68-65) and Alejandro Rochin (67-66) had Faust ahead on their scorecards after seven rounds.

However, Pero from Cuba, who was leading 68-65 according to judge Tim Cheatham's scorecard entering the eighth round, ensured the fight wouldn't go to the judges' decision. The formidable southpaw secured his sixth knockout, improving his record to 9-0.

"We were targeting his liver from the first round onwards, focusing on attacking his body," Pero explained to Showtime's Brian Campbell in the ring. "His punches weren't particularly powerful, so we kept pressing and eventually found that decisive shot."

According to CompuBox, Pero landed a total of 92 out of 183 punches, surpassing Faust's 82 out of 389 despite Faust's higher activity level.

Pero's left hand to the center of Faust's face, following his right hook to the body, caused Faust to wince and turn away in the eighth round. Ramos intervened and stopped the fight moments later, as Faust leaned on the ropes.

"In professional boxing, you can't afford to turn your back on your opponent," Pero asserted. "I didn't, and I seized the opportunity."

Pero's straight left early in the eighth round visibly shook Faust. Throughout the seventh round, Pero was active with his straight left, contrasting Faust's reliance on his jab.

In the sixth round, Pero's left to Faust's exposed body landed effectively, although a subsequent low blow caused a temporary pause in the action.

Faust's counter left hook made Pero stumble just before the third round ended, showcasing the back-and-forth nature of the fight.

Faust's overhand right landed effectively in the third round, while Pero countered with his straight left.

Pero landed a counter left hook towards the end of the second round, and earlier, he had countered Faust with a straight left. Faust's right hand also found its mark in the second round.

In the first round, Pero connected with a right hook, while Faust attempted to penetrate Pero's defensive stance with his jab.

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