Zayas, New World Champion: Puerto Rican Boxer Makes History at 22

Xander Zayas, the young Puerto Rican boxer, has left an indelible mark on the boxing world. Last Saturday, at the emblematic Theater at Madison Square Garden, Zayas was consecrated as the youngest world champion by conquering the vacant WBO super welterweight title, after a dominant decision victory over Jorge García Pérez. This victory marks a milestone in Zayas’s career, who has already proven his worth eight times in the Garden. From the first bell, Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) imposed his rhythm, using agile footwork and precise counterattacks to neutralize the offensive, although powerful, of García Pérez. Zayas knew how to read his opponent’s timing, maintaining distance and avoiding close combat. The three judges agreed on their verdict, awarding the victory to Zayas with scorecards of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. García Pérez, from Mexico, saw his streak of eight consecutive victories interrupted. In the last 30 seconds of the sixth round, Zayas connected with a right hand that sent García Pérez (33-4, 26 KOs) against the ropes. Although García Pérez recovered, Zayas continued his relentless attack. Despite an eighth round in which García Pérez showed signs of recovery, Zayas regained control in the ninth, dodging punches and responding with effective combinations. The rest of the fight was a dominance by Zayas, who connected a high percentage of punches and forced García Pérez to miss.

CompuBox statistics reveal Zayas’ superiority, who connected 50 jabs and 19 more power punches than Garcia Perez, despite throwing 81 fewer punches. Zayas had a 38% effectiveness in his total punches and 45% in power punches, while Garcia Perez stayed at 22% and 24% respectively. In addition, Zayas surpassed his rival in body shots, with an advantage of 59-31.

It’s incredible. It’s incredible to represent Puerto Rico at the highest level and put the pride of my island where it belongs: at the top.

Xander Zayas

Zayas, at 22 years and 324 days old, becomes the youngest champion currently. The next on the list is Brian Norman Jr., welterweight champion, at 24 years and 245 days.

Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington Shines Too

In the co-main event, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington claimed the WBC interim featherweight title, defeating Mateus Heita by unanimous decision. Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) started as the favorite and proved it in the ring. After some more even first rounds, Carrington connected punches to the body and head with his right hand, dominating the fight. Heita, despite receiving several solid blows, did not falter. However, his activity decreased, while Carrington intensified his attack, dodging most of Heita’s punches. The judges awarded Carrington’s performance with a unanimous decision (120-108, 119-109, 119-109). This was the first defeat in Heita’s career, who now has a record of 14-1. Carrington, for his part, is ranked sixth in the featherweight rankings. After receiving his interim belt, Carrington turned his gaze to the WBO champion, Rafael Espinoza, present at the event. “I see you in the crowd,” Carrington said, pointing to Espinoza. “I love you, brother. You already know. My team has contacted your team. I want to fight.” In Saturday’s preliminary event, Emilianio Vargas, son of former super welterweight champion Fernando Vargas, extended his undefeated streak to 15-0 with a knockout in 42 seconds over Alexander Espinoza at super lightweight. It was Vargas’ sixth consecutive knockout and the thirteenth of his career.