Xander Zayas, 21, hopes to continue Puerto Rico’s rich history of producing boxing legends.
Zayas, who is undefeated and has great potential, prepares for his next challenge against Roberto Valenzuela Jr. at the US Bank Center in Corpus Christi, in the early hours of Saturday morning live. Sky Sports.
Zayas has made waves in the boxing world, and for good reason. His last appearance in June, an impressive unanimous decision win over Ronald Cruz, occurred on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez’s victory over Josh Taylor at Madison Square Garden.
“Being part of the weekend in Puerto Rico was an amazing experience for me, something I have always dreamed of and being the co-main event of such an amazing fight, Teofimo Lopez vs. Josh Taylor was something special,” Zayas said. Sky Sports.
With a professional record of 16-0 (10), Zayas is a star in the making. His contemporaries in the super welterweight division should take notice, as Zayas is on a mission to cement his status as a force to be reckoned with.
“If the game plan is to box or play with fire, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get this victory,” he said before the Valenzuela fight.
His next match against the Mexican 21-4 (20) is expected to be a stern test. Zayas is well aware of the dangers this battle poses.
“In every fight you have to be careful. A punch can change the fight. If they get you right, if they get the timing of the punch right, they will knock you down,” he said.
“We will be careful about his strength. Being smart, following the game plan and having fun out there will be key elements to my win.”
Zayas dreams of bringing a title fight to Madison Square Garden and Puerto Rico. His ambition is to headline a Puerto Rican Day weekend event, celebrating his heritage and contributing to the legacy of Puerto Rican boxing.
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Xander Zayas stopped Elias Espadas in the fifth round after his second knockout at the Resorts World Events Center in Las Vegas
“This is the dream of every Puerto Rican. This is something I really want to do. I want to be able to win a world title in Madison Square Garden. Hopefully I can win it on Puerto Rico Day weekend, or if not, win it on my home island of Puerto Rico.” . “Zayas said.
He dreams of following in the footsteps of famed Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, though Zayas had this to say about the comparisons between himself and the great man: “It’s an honor. I respect all the Puerto Rican legends that came before me, but I don’t see myself wanting to be compared to others.”
“I want to be myself. I want to be Xander Zayas.”
Undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo moves up to super middleweight to take on Canelo Alvarez. This move to a higher division could open the door for others to challenge for the 154-pound belts.
“We know for a fact that he’s going to give up some titles now because they’re going to make him do it as soon as he gets in the ring with Canelo. This will give the division more freedom to have more fights and title shots and title eliminators and in general it will open up the division,” Zayas explained.
If there is a potential world title fight in the future, Zayas will not hesitate. “I know what I can do. I know I’m ready to face any opponent they put in front of me,” he said.
“I train hard, I have dedication, and I have hard work. Now it’s just a matter of time.”
Xander Zayas takes on Roberto Valenzuela Jr. on the undercard of Luis Alberto Lopez vs. Goyet Gonzalez from 1am on Saturday live on Sky Sports Arena.
