Xander Zayas: Rising Star in the Super Welterweight Division
In the vibrant boxing scene of Las Vegas, Xander Zayas continues to rise as a formidable young champion in the super welterweight division. On August 13, 2022, Zayas triumphed over Elias Espadas via fifth-round TKO in a bout held at Resorts World. This victory marked an important step in the career of a fighter who has garnered immense attention since being signed by Top Rank at just 16 years old.
Connection with Bob Arum
Prominent boxing promoter Bob Arum, nearing his 93rd birthday, forged a special connection with Zayas during the early days of his career. When Arum recruited the promising teenager, he expressed both admiration and a touch of regret, aware of the ticking clock that comes with age. He believed in Zayas’s potential to become a champion all the way up to light heavyweight but was uncertain if he would witness Zayas’s ascent to greatness.
Championship Success
Fulfilling the promises made to his mentor, Zayas captured the WBO super welterweight title in 2022 by defeating Jorge Garcia. As fate would have it, Arum was present ringside, sharing in the moment that both had envisioned together.
Recent Performances and Future Aspirations
Zayas’s recent performance in San Juan showcased his development as he unified his title with the WBA championship, defeating Abass Baraou. This fight highlighted Zayas’s impressive technique and ability to adapt, countering Baraou’s pressure with powerful combinations and standing confidently in the center of the ring during the final round.
Despite Zayas’s rapid ascent, some still underestimated his abilities, focusing instead on other fighters in the division, like Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron “Boots” Ennis. This perception starkly contrasted with the respect and belief those at Top Rank held for Zayas, especially when rumors circulated that Walsh’s camp viewed him as an easier target for a championship.
However, the tables have turned with Zayas’s notable improvement, evidenced by his recent performances. He stated,
“I’m just 23 and I’m the youngest active unified champion. I’m just getting started,”
proclaiming his readiness to take on any challengers, including a sought-after matchup with Ortiz or Ennis.
The Shifting Landscape of Super Welterweight
The climate in the super welterweight division is shifting. Zayas is not merely on the periphery among up-and-coming champions; he is establishing himself firmly at the top. With a call for the major players in boxing, like Golden Boy’s Oscar de la Hoya, to unite for potential matchups, Zayas is set to invigorate the conversation around super welterweight matchups that fans want to see. His recent performances have unequivocally demonstrated that this division is rich with talent, rather than being a mere two-man race.
As the boxing landscape continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see how the other rising stars adapt in response to Zayas’s impressive trajectory. Xander Zayas is no longer just the talented kid that Bob Arum spotted years ago; he has matured into a world champion and is poised to shape the future of the super welterweight category.
