Rising Puerto Rican boxing sensation Xander Zayas, maintaining a perfect professional record of 21-0 with 13 knockouts, recently found himself navigating the unpredictable currents of the super-welterweight division. For a time, the buzz surrounding his next move pointed towards a significant clash against then-champion Sebastian Fundora. This was a matchup Zayas openly anticipated, seeing it as a crucial test and a direct route to world title contention. However, the expected showdown didn`t materialize, leaving Zayas with a distinct sense of disappointment, despite a guaranteed world title opportunity still awaiting him.
The landscape shifted when Sebastian Fundora (22-1-1, 14 KOs) elected to vacate his WBO title and pursue a unification bout against Tim Tszyu for the WBC belt (a fight now completed). This strategic decision by Fundora meant the planned Zayas fight was off the table, at least for the immediate future. Zayas didn`t mince words when reflecting on the change of plans.
“We were negotiating, and I felt that it was a good negotiation,” Zayas commented, acknowledging the initial positive signs. “So, it’s obviously a bit disappointing to not be fighting the champion.” He understands Fundora`s choice, perhaps viewing it as a more lucrative or strategically advantageous move in the complex chess game of championship boxing. Yet, he couldn`t resist a touch of dry observation regarding Fundora`s public stance. “I’ve been told that he still wants the fight to happen, but if he really wanted the fight to happen, then he would’ve made it happen. It’s an excuse… but then don’t come back to me and say that you still want to fight.” It`s a pragmatic view – acknowledging the business reality of boxing while politely dismissing posturing. The sentiment is clear: actions speak louder than words, especially when a championship opportunity was seemingly within reach.
With the Fundora chapter closed for now, Zayas has sharpened his focus on the immediate and tangible prize: the vacant WBO world super-welterweight championship. His opponent will be the number-two ranked contender, Jorge Perez Garcia. This pivotal bout is scheduled to headline a Top Rank event on July 26th at the historic Madison Square Garden Theater in New York, presenting Zayas with a chance to claim his first major world title on a prominent stage.
Jorge Perez Garcia comes into this fight validated by a significant victory over Charles Conwell, showcasing an effective, albeit somewhat unorthodox, style centered on relentless pressure and inside fighting. Zayas has studied his upcoming opponent and formulated his strategy, confident that his technical capabilities offer the right antidote to Garcia`s aggression.
“With Jorge Garcia Perez, I feel like his one chance is to put pressure on me, and to try to fight me on the inside – like he did with Conwell,” Zayas analyzed. However, he sees a clear advantage in his own skillset. “But on the outside, he doesn’t have the same boxing skills as me.” This indicates Zayas plans to utilize distance, movement, and superior technical boxing to counter Garcia`s preferred close-range warfare, aiming for a dominant performance.
Looking beyond July 26th, Zayas views winning the WBO title not as an end goal, but as a powerful tool. Holding a world championship belt elevates his position significantly, providing leverage in negotiations and removing potential roadblocks to facing the division`s elite. “After I become a world champion, there’ll be no more running. There’ll be no more, ‘oh, he hasn’t done that, he doesn’t bring this.’” He believes the belt itself will force mandatory challenges and make cross-promotional super-fights, including potential clashes with unified champions or the rescheduled Fundora fight, far more likely. “For me, that’s exciting, because I know that I’ll get those big fights I’ve been asking for. No more excuses. Whoever wants to become a world champion, they’ve got to fight me.”
In summary, while the initial disappointment regarding Sebastian Fundora is understandable, Xander Zayas remains singularly focused on the task ahead. The fight against Jorge Perez Garcia represents a clear path to achieving his first world title. Success on July 26th will not only crown him a champion but also position him precisely where he wants to be: at the forefront of the super-welterweight division, ready to challenge the very best and silence any remaining doubts or excuses.
