Xander Zayas Conquers World Title and Makes History in Boxing
Puerto Rican boxer Xander Zayas has made history in the boxing world. Last Saturday, at the emblematic Theater at Madison Square Garden, Zayas was crowned world champion by obtaining the vacant WBO junior middleweight title, surpassing Jorge García Pérez in a demonstration of skill and dominance. At 22 years old, Zayas becomes the youngest current world champion, an achievement that distinguishes him in the boxing scene. This victory marks a milestone in his career and consolidates him as a promising figure in the sport. In his eighth fight at the Garden, Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) demonstrated absolute control from the first round. His strategy, based on agile footwork and precise counterattacks, allowed him to counteract García Pérez’s offense. The fight, which went the distance of twelve rounds, reflected Zayas’s superiority, who kept his distance and landed effective blows, even when García Pérez tried to close the distance. The judges awarded the victory to Zayas with scorecards of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.In the sixth round, Zayas sent García Pérez to the ropes with a powerful right hand, although the Mexican managed to recover. Zayas continued his attack, outperforming his opponent in each exchange. CompuBox statistics revealed Zayas’ clear advantage, who connected 50 jabs and 19 power punches more than García Pérez, despite throwing fewer punches in total. Zayas had a superior effectiveness percentage in his punches, connecting 38% of his total punches and 45% of his power punches. In the co-stellar event, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington won the WBC interim featherweight title, defeating Mateus Heita by unanimous decision. Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) dominated the fight, connecting effective punches to Heita’s body and head. Despite Heita’s resistance, Carrington maintained the pressure and earned a deserved unanimous decision victory with scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 119-109. After receiving his interim belt, Carrington challenged WBO champion Rafael Espinoza, who was present at the event. In the preliminary card, Emilianio Vargas, son of former light middleweight champion Fernando Vargas, continued his undefeated streak by knocking out Alexander Espinoza in just 42 seconds.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
