Zayas 22becomesyoungestcurrentworldchamp

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 9th 2025 at 23:54 GMT by ESPN
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

On Saturday night in New York City, Xander Zayas, 22, became the youngest current world champion by capturing the vacant WBO junior middleweight title with a dominant decision win over Jorge Garcia Perez at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Xander Zayas Authors Dominant Win Over Jorge Garcia Perez

In a commanding display of skill and power, junior middleweight prospect Xander Zayas solidified his status as a rising star in the boxing world with a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Garcia Perez. The bout, which took place at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, showcased Zayas' technical prowess and relentless aggression, as he outclassed his opponent over 10 rounds to improve his undefeated record. Zayas, the 22-year-old Puerto Rican sensation, demonstrated why he's being hailed as one of the most promising talents in the division, using a combination of sharp jabs, powerful hooks, and strategic footwork to dominate from the opening bell.

The fight began with Zayas establishing control early, utilizing his superior speed and reach to keep Garcia Perez at bay. In the first round, Zayas landed a series of crisp jabs that snapped Garcia Perez's head back, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair. Garcia Perez, a durable Mexican fighter known for his toughness, attempted to press forward with looping overhand rights, but Zayas' defensive acumen allowed him to slip most of the incoming shots while countering effectively. By the end of the round, Zayas had already begun to swell Garcia Perez's left eye, a sign of the punishment that would accumulate throughout the night.

As the rounds progressed, Zayas' confidence grew. In the second and third rounds, he incorporated body shots into his arsenal, targeting Garcia Perez's midsection to sap his energy and slow his advances. These tactics paid dividends, as Garcia Perez's movement became labored, and he struggled to mount any significant offense. Zayas, fighting in front of a supportive home crowd, fed off the energy, landing a particularly vicious left hook in the third that wobbled Garcia Perez momentarily. Despite the challenger's resilience—Garcia Perez has a reputation for going the distance in tough fights—he couldn't find a way to penetrate Zayas' guard or disrupt his rhythm.

Midway through the contest, in rounds four and five, Zayas shifted gears, increasing his output and mixing in uppercuts that further damaged Garcia Perez's face. The Mexican boxer, bleeding from a cut above his eye by this point, tried to rally with a flurry of punches, but Zayas' composure under pressure was evident. He circled away from danger, using angles to create openings for his own attacks. Commentators noted Zayas' maturity beyond his years, drawing comparisons to other Puerto Rican greats like Miguel Cotto, whom Zayas has often cited as an inspiration. This fight marked another step in Zayas' journey, as he continues to build momentum after signing with Top Rank and making waves in the junior middleweight ranks.

The later rounds saw Zayas in full control, cruising toward victory while Garcia Perez gamely fought on. In the sixth round, Zayas unleashed a barrage of combinations that forced Garcia Perez to clinch repeatedly, a tactic that drew warnings from the referee. Zayas' corner, led by trainer Pedro Cruz, encouraged him to maintain his discipline and not get drawn into a brawl, advice that Zayas followed meticulously. By the seventh and eighth rounds, the fight had turned into a clinic, with Zayas landing at will—precise right hands and left hooks that echoed through the arena. Garcia Perez, to his credit, never stopped trying, but his efforts were futile against Zayas' superior boxing IQ and conditioning.

Entering the championship rounds, Zayas could have coasted, but he chose to press the action, perhaps aiming to make a statement. In the ninth, he staggered Garcia Perez with a straight right, though the veteran managed to stay on his feet. The final round was a testament to Zayas' dominance, as he poured on the pressure without taking unnecessary risks, ensuring a clear path to the judges' scorecards. When the final bell rang, there was little doubt about the outcome. The judges scored the bout 100-90 across the board, reflecting Zayas' shutout performance.

Post-fight, Zayas expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing his growth as a fighter. "This was about showing I can handle business against a tough guy like Garcia," Zayas said in his ringside interview. "I wanted to make my people proud here in Puerto Rico. We're just getting started." He highlighted the importance of the victory in his home country, where boxing holds a special place in the cultural fabric. Zayas, who turned professional at just 16 and has been carefully managed by Top Rank, now boasts a record that includes multiple stoppage wins and high-profile undercard appearances. This triumph over Garcia Perez, who entered with a respectable record and experience against solid competition, adds another layer to Zayas' resume.

Garcia Perez, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Zayas' talent. "He's the real deal," he admitted. "I gave it everything, but he was better tonight." For Garcia Perez, the loss snaps a streak of recent wins, but at 30 years old, he remains a gatekeeper-type fighter who can test up-and-comers. His performance, while not victorious, underscored his durability, as he absorbed significant punishment without being stopped.

Looking ahead, this win positions Zayas for bigger opportunities in the competitive junior middleweight division. Promoters have already begun discussing potential matchups against ranked contenders, with names like Erickson Lubin or even a step up to title eliminators being floated. Zayas' blend of power, speed, and charisma makes him a marketable asset, and fights like this one demonstrate his readiness for the next level. Analysts point out that his ability to dictate pace and adapt mid-fight sets him apart from other prospects. In a division featuring champions like Sebastian Fundora and challengers like Tim Tszyu, Zayas is carving out his path methodically.

The event itself was a celebration of Puerto Rican boxing heritage, with a packed house cheering every Zayas punch. It served as a reminder of the island's rich history in the sport, from legends like Felix Trinidad to current stars. Zayas, born in Florida but deeply connected to his Puerto Rican roots, embodied that spirit, fighting with a poise that belies his youth. As he continues to climb the ranks, bouts like this dominant performance against Garcia Perez will be remembered as building blocks in what could become a championship legacy.

Beyond the ring action, the fight highlighted broader themes in boxing: the rise of young talents in a sport often dominated by veterans, the importance of strategic matchmaking to develop prospects, and the enduring appeal of national pride in combat sports. Zayas' victory wasn't just about the scorecards; it was a statement of intent, signaling to the division that a new force is emerging. With his team plotting the next moves, fans can expect Zayas to headline more significant cards soon, potentially stepping into world title contention within the next year or two. This performance, marked by dominance and discipline, reinforces why Zayas is a name to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of professional boxing. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/45833020/xander-zayas-authors-dominant-win-jorge-garcia-perez ]

N※N

Zayas 22becomesyoungestcurrentworldchamp

Xander Zayas Authors Dominant Win Over Jorge Garcia Perez