 Following the loss to Povetkin, Perez spent over two years away from the ring, before returning in 2017 as a cruiserweight.On 6 July, Perez was announced as the final entrant to the cruiserweight World Boxing Super Series (WBSS).At the Draft Gala, which took place on 8 July in Monte Carlo, Perez was chosen by WBC champion Mairis Briedis as his quarter final opponent.