Xander Zayas Achieves Champion Status
Xander Zayas has officially claimed his title as Puerto Rico’s next boxing star. The 22-year-old became the youngest active world champion in the sport on Saturday night, securing a decisive 12-round unanimous decision over Mexico’s Jorge Garcia Perez to win the vacant WBO junior middleweight title.
A Bright Future Ahead
Zayas faced high expectations as he has steadily progressed since turning professional at 17. In front of a lively crowd of thousands at Madison Square Garden, he fulfilled years of promise, adding a significant chapter to the intense Puerto Rico-Mexico boxing rivalry.
The Fight Breakdown
Contrary to some predictions, the bout was far from a mere formality. Garcia, an unpredictable opponent, initially disrupted Zayas’s rhythm with aggressive attacks. However, Zayas gradually took control with his superior timing, footwork, and hand speed, delivering sharp counters and effective combinations to dominate the fight.
Moments of Challenge
Although Garcia put up a fight, notably buzzing Zayas with a left hook in the third round and rallying in the tenth, Zayas maintained discipline throughout. The judges ultimately scored the match 119-109, 118-110, and 116-112 in favor of Zayas, indicating his clear victory.
Celebrating Success
After the match, a jubilant Zayas shared, “That’s what it’s all about: growth.” He acknowledged the importance of his training and strategy, emphasizing how they managed to keep Garcia at bay. With this win, Zayas underscored his evolution as a fighter.
A Journey of Hard Work
Zayas’s victory marks the culmination of a journey that began over 15 years ago in a San Juan gym, where motivation came from his mother, fueling his ambition to become a world champion. After relocating to Sunrise, Florida, he trained under renowned coach Javiel Centeno, further enhancing his skills.
Looking Forward
With the belt secured, Zayas now looks to the future. At just 22, he has ample time and talent, along with a dedicated fanbase. He aims to take on challenges in the highly competitive 154-pound division, confidently stating, “Anybody in the division can get it now.” For Zayas, this victory is not just a milestone, but the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career.
