Xander Zayas Conquers World Title and Makes History in New York
Puerto Rican boxer Xander Zayas has solidified his name in boxing history. Last Saturday, at the Madison Square Garden Theater, Zayas, at just 22 years old, became a world champion by defeating Jorge García Pérez and obtaining the vacant WBO super welterweight title. This victory not only represents a personal triumph for Zayas, but also a moment of pride for Puerto Rico, as he becomes the youngest current world champion. In his eighth appearance at the iconic Garden, Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) demonstrated absolute dominance from the first round. His strategy, based on agile footwork and effective counterattacks, allowed him to neutralize the offense of García Pérez, who, despite his peculiar style, represented a danger. Zayas’s skill in reading his opponent’s movements was key, maintaining distance and controlling the pace of the fight. When García Pérez tried to close the distance, Zayas responded with strategic tie-ups. The judges awarded the victory to Zayas with scorecards of 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109. García Pérez, 28 years old and originally from Mexico, saw his streak of eight consecutive victories interrupted. In the sixth round, Zayas connected with a powerful right hand that sent García Pérez to the ropes. Although the Mexican recovered, Zayas continued to wear down his opponent. Despite an eighth round in which García Pérez showed a slight improvement, Zayas regained control in the ninth, avoiding his opponent’s blows and responding with precise combinations. CompuBox statistics revealed Zayas’ superiority, who connected 50 jabs and 19 more power punches than García Pérez, despite throwing fewer punches in total. Zayas achieved 38% effectiveness in his total punches and 45% in power punches, in addition to a 59-31 advantage in body shots.With this victory, Zayas, currently ranked number 8 in the super welterweight ranking, surpasses Brian Norman Jr., who at 24 years old is the next youngest champion in the welterweight category.“It’s incredible to represent Puerto Rico at the highest level and put the pride of my island where it belongs, at the top,” expressed Zayas, who becomes the most recent super welterweight world champion from Puerto Rico.
Xander Zayas
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington Wins Interim Featherweight Title
In the co-main event, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington claimed the WBC interim featherweight title, following a dominant unanimous decision victory over Mateus Heita. Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs), who started as the favorite, demonstrated his superiority from the fourth round, connecting effective blows to the body and head with his right hand. Heita withstood the attacks, but his activity decreased as Carrington intensified his offense, dodging most of his opponent’s blows. The judges awarded the victory to Carrington with scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 119-109. This was Heita’s first career defeat, who now has a record of 14-1. Carrington, ranked number 6 in the featherweight rankings, turned his attention towards WBO champion Rafael Espinoza, who was present at the event.“I see you in the crowd. I love you, brother. You already know. My team has contacted your team. I want to fight,” declared Carrington.
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington
