Xander Zayas is back on the island in Puerto Rico, and celebrated the vacant WBO Junior Middle Leweight title last Saturday night with his decision on Jorge Garcia in Madison Square Garden Theater in New York.
Zayas’ next sight options
This is zayas’ 15 minutes of fame Before he and his promoters have to decide on the top rank whether he should tackle one of the talented champions at 154, or the WBO belt with a soft opponent, maybe Josh Kelly, milk to make money.
- Sebastian fundora
- Bakhram Murtazaliev
- Vergil Ortiz jr.
- Jaron Ennis
- Yoenis tellez
- Josh Kelly
Xander is not going to be the next Miguel Cotto or Felix Trinidad for Puerto Rico. He does not have the talent to be like those fighters. He is also not like Hector Camacho. His style is like Shakur Stevenson’s, but not skilled, but with the same risk-lived, hit-and-not-hit approach.
The performance of Xander, 22, was not sparkling enough to say that he would have a chance to beat fighters like Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz Jr., Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis or Yoenis Tellez. The top promoter Bob Arum should be well aware of how little a shot of Zayas would have against one of them.
That may be why he didn’t ask anyone about Xander’s next battle. He just said he would defend the WBO belt in Puerto Rico for his next battle later this year.
Zayas did a good job of beating Jorge Garcia through a unanimous 12 -round decision. He used movement, a ton of holding, and a strong blow to win with the scores 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.
Zayas’ defense style
The ongoing clap and relocation worked well on the pressure fighter, Garcia, but would not be effective against any of the talented fighters in the division. They would step down Xander, fight through his bonds and occupy him in pieces.
If Turki Alalshikh was interested in using Zayas for one of his opportunities, it would be worth fighting one of the champions at 154. Turki will have to be open to welcome another Jerry-esque Tap fighter in his fold.
If not, Xander would be better to take easy battles like the one he built up on his unbeaten record. The formula of Top Rank worked well and made a fighter at a finesse level without power in a world champion without fighting any of the dangerous guys in the division.
The champion is making his rounds in pr 🏆
Via @BSNPR @Vaquerosbsn @Cangrejerosb pic.twitter.com/aqxyrwiob
– Top Rankbox (@Trboxing) July 31, 2025
Last updated on 07/31/2025
