Zayas, 22, Conquers World Title: New Youngest Boxing Champion

Xander Zayas Conquers World Title and Makes Boxing History

Xander Zayas, the young Puerto Rican boxer, has left an indelible mark on the history of boxing. On Saturday, in a demonstration of skill and determination, he was crowned world champion by obtaining the vacant WBO super welterweight title. The victory took place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, an emblematic stage that has witnessed great moments in the sport. At 22 years old, Zayas stands out as the youngest current world champion. His performance in the ring was impeccable, dominating his opponent, Jorge García Pérez, with strategic and effective boxing. From the first round, Zayas demonstrated his control, using agile footwork and precise counterattacks to neutralize García Pérez’s offense. The boxer maintained distance, frustrating his rival’s attempts to get close and, when necessary, held him to avoid exchanging blows. The judges awarded the victory to Zayas with scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109. García Pérez, from Mexico, saw his streak of eight consecutive victories interrupted. In the sixth round, Zayas connected with a powerful right hand that staggered García Pérez, sending him against the ropes. Although García Pérez recovered, Zayas continued his attack, demonstrating his superiority. Despite an eighth round in which García Pérez tried to react, Zayas maintained control, responding with effective combinations and avoiding his opponent’s blows. Zayas’s precision was notable, connecting a high percentage of his punches and making García Pérez miss. According to CompuBox, Zayas outlanded García Pérez in jabs and power punches, despite throwing fewer punches overall. Zayas connected on a significantly higher percentage of his total and power punches, as well as dominating in body shots.

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, who holds the eighth position in the super welterweight ranking, is currently the youngest champion, surpassing Brian Norman Jr., who is 24 years old.

Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington Crowned Interim Champion

In the co-main event, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington claimed the WBC interim featherweight title, following a unanimous decision victory over Mateus Heita. Carrington, considered the favorite, dominated the fight after some competitive early rounds, landing effective punches to the body and head with his right hand. Heita, despite receiving several blows, was not knocked down, but his activity decreased as Carrington intensified his attack. Carrington continued to throw combinations until the end, securing the victory with the judges’ scores (120-108, 119-109, 119-109). This was Heita’s first career defeat, while Carrington, ranked sixth in the featherweight rankings, now targets WBO champion Rafael Espinoza. After receiving his interim belt, Carrington directed his words to Espinoza, who was present in the audience: “I see you in the crowd. I love you, brother. You already know. My team has contacted your team. I want to fight.”

Emiliano Vargas Continues His Rise in Boxing

In Saturday’s undercard, Emiliano Vargas, son of former super welterweight champion Fernando Vargas, extended his undefeated record to 15-0 with a knockout in the second round over Alexander Espinoza. This was his sixth consecutive knockout victory and the thirteenth of his career.