Xander Zayas Claims WBO Title
In a remarkable turn of events last month in New York, Xander Zayas claimed the WBO title, solidifying his position as the youngest world champion in men’s boxing. At just 22 years of age, this Puerto Rican fighter is stepping into the spotlight of the fiercely competitive super welterweight division, which boasts formidable opponents such as Vergil Ortiz Jr., Jaron “Boots” Ennis, and Sebastian Fundora.
Rivalry with Vergil Ortiz
Among these contenders, it is Ortiz, currently holding the WBC interim title, that piques Zayas’ interest the most. In a recent appearance on the DAZN show “Ariel X Ade”, Zayas expressed a keen desire to face Ortiz, dubbing it the most significant match-up he dreams of.
“Vergil Ortiz is definitely the top choice for me out of all three,”
stated Zayas in the interview. He went on to describe a potential clash as a major event, sparked by the exciting rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico, emphasizing how the fight would captivate fans on the East Coast.
Intensifying Competition
The competitive spirit between Zayas and Ortiz intensified following a controversial compliment from Ortiz, who implied Zayas’s title win was more favorable than his own challenging bouts against tough opponents like Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov. Their rivalry dates back to earlier this year when a scheduled fight between Ortiz and Ennis fell apart. Zayas claimed he stepped in to face Ortiz, only for Madrimov to be chosen instead, leaving Zayas frustrated.
Ranking the Contenders
Considering the landscape of up-and-coming talent, Zayas ranked Ortiz first, followed by Fundora and Ennis—who has made a significant name for himself on the East Coast, selling out arenas consistently. Zayas noted that he was once in position to fight Fundora when the latter held championships from both the WBC and WBO but ultimately, Fundora opted to vacate the WBO title to pursue a rematch with Tim Tszyu, which he won in impressive fashion.
Future Plans
Speaking to ESPN, Zayas conveyed his eagerness to defend his title on home turf in Puerto Rico, pointing out that the last time he fought there was back in 2020, and much has changed since then. Plans appear to be forming for a December fight on the island, which has seen fewer high-profile boxing events in recent years. If realized, it would be a significant moment for Zayas to elevate his stature further, mirroring the achievements of established stars such as Amanda Serrano and Edgar Berlanga.
