“Two weeks ago Top Rank approached Matchroom, and we are still waiting for a formal yes from you,” Zayas wrote. “We have a date, a venue and TV in Puerto Rico ready to go and just waiting for your formal yes.”
Zayas also disputed a claim about where the fight could take place. According to Zayas, earlier discussions included feedback from Kelly that the game in the UK would not work financially.
Kelly replied to the post shortly after, rejecting Zayas’ description of the negotiations. The British fighter wrote that offers have come his way and said he is willing to travel to the United States if the fight is arranged.
“These are some lies here,” Kelly said. “My promoter is the only one making offers to you. We are willing to come to the US to fight.”
The 23-year-old Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) recently captured the WBA 154 lb title with a 12-round victory over champion Abass Baraou on January 31, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It wasn’t the prettiest performance from Xander as he moved around and held a lot. He did enough to win a close decision and now holds the WBA and WBO junior middleweight belts.
Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) defeated IBF 154-lb champion Bakhram Murtazaliev by a 12-round majority decision on January 31, 2026 in Newcastle, England.
Unified junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas has publicly challenged Josh Kelly about negotiations for a potential three-belt fight at 154 pounds, saying his team has already contacted Kelly’s team and is awaiting a formal response.
