Homecoming by Puerto Rico by Xander Zayas: celebrating a Wbo title victory in the middle of the questions of the elite competition

Xander Zayas is back on the island of Puerto Rico, celebrating the Vacant Wbo Junior Middleweight title Saturday night with his decision victory over Jorge Garcia at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City.

Zayas’ next fighting options

Is zayas’ 15 minutes of fame Before he and his promoters of the first position they have to decide if you have to take one of the talent champions at 154, or milk the Wbo belt with a soft opponent, maybe Josh Kelly, to make money.

1. Sebastian Fundora
2. Bakhram Murtazaliev
3. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
4. Jaron Ennis
5. Yoenis tellez
6. Josh Kelly

Xander will not be the next Miguel Cotto or Felix Trinitat for Puerto Rico. He lacks the talent to be like those fighters. Nor is it like Hector Camacho. Its style is like that of Shakur Stevenson, but it is not skilled, but with the same risk, affected and attractive approach.

The 22 -year -old Xander’s performance was not sharp enough to say that he would have the opportunity to defeat combatants such as Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz JR, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis or Yoenis Tellez. The promoter of the first rank, Bob Arum, must be aware of the little that would have a shot that would have Zayas against any of them.

That is why, when asked about the nearby Xander struggle, he did not name anyone. He simply said he would defend the Wbo belt in Puerto Rico for his next fight later this year.

Zayas did a good job by overcoming Jorge Garcia for a unanimous 12 -round decision. He used the movement, a ton of withholding and a strong blow to win the scores 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.

Zayas defensive style

The consequence and constant movement worked well in the pressure fighter, Garcia, but would not be effective against any of the talented fighters of the division. They would walk down, fight for their ties and beat him to pieces.

If Turki Alralikh is interested in using Zayas for one of his events, it is worth fighting one of the champions in 154. Turki should be open to welcoming -another Jerry-Esque Write the fighter in his fold.

If not, Xander would be better to take easy struggles like those who built his unbeaten record. Top Rank’s formula has worked well, turning a finesse fighter without power in a world champion without fighting any of the dangerous boys in the division.

The champion makes its rounds to pr 🏆

Track @Bsnpr @Vaquerosbsn @Cangrejerosb pic.twitter.com/aqxyyrwiob

– First rank boxing (@TRboxing) July 31, 2025