Zayas, youngest new world champion: Dominates at Madison Square Garden

Xander Zayas Conquers World Championship and Makes His Mark in New York

Xander Zayas has shown that Puerto Rican boxing continues to leave an indelible mark on New York. Last Saturday, the 22-year-old became the youngest current world champion by obtaining the vacant WBO super welterweight title. The victory took place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, where Zayas dominated Jorge García Pérez. In his eighth fight at the iconic Garden, Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) controlled the fight from the first round. His footwork and counterattacks were key to neutralizing the offensive, though powerful, of García Pérez. Zayas knew how to keep the distance, frustrating his opponent’s attempts to shorten the space. When García Pérez managed to get close, Zayas tied him up, demonstrating intelligence and control. The three 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 last 30 seconds of the sixth round, Zayas connected with a powerful right hand that made García Pérez stagger against the ropes. Although García Pérez recovered, Zayas continued to punish him, showing his superiority. Although García Pérez seemed fatigued, he had a stronger eighth round, throwing more combinations. However, in the ninth, Zayas avoided damage and responded with his own punches, maintaining control and connecting a high percentage of his blows, while making his opponent miss. According to CompuBox statistics, Zayas connected 50 jabs and 19 more power punches than García Pérez, despite throwing 81 fewer punches. García Pérez connected 22% of his total punches and 24% of his power punches, while Zayas had a 38% effectiveness in total punches and 45% in power punches. In addition, Zayas outperformed his rival in body shots, with a 59-31 advantage.

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, who currently holds the number 8 position in the super welterweight ranking, is 22 years and 324 days old. The next youngest champion is Brian Norman Jr., in welterweight, with 24 years and 245 days.

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 over Mateus Heita. Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs), who was the favorite, demonstrated his superiority. After three relatively even initial rounds, he began to connect body and head shots with his right-hand counterattacks. Heita took several solid blows to the head, but was not knocked down. His activity decreased, and Carrington intensified the attack, dodging most of Heita’s punches. Carrington continued to throw combinations until the end, and the judges awarded him a unanimous decision (120-108, 119-109, 119-109). This was the first defeat in Heita’s career, who, at 27 years old, now has a record of 14-1 in his first fight outside of Africa. Carrington is ranked number 6 in the featherweight rankings. After receiving his interim belt, Carrington turned his attention to WBO champion Rafael Espinoza, who was present in the audience. “I see you in the crowd,” Carrington said, pointing at Espinoza. “I want 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 fight card, Emilianio Vargas, son of former super welterweight champion Fernando Vargas, improved his record to 15-0 with a knockout in the second round over Alexander Espinoza. This was Vargas’ sixth consecutive knockout victory and the thirteenth of his career.