Twenty-one-year-old super-welterweight sensation Xander Zayas hopes to comply with in Puerto Rico’s wealthy historical past of manufacturing boxing legends.
Undefeated and with nice potential, Zayas is gearing up for his subsequent problem in opposition to Roberto Valenzuela Jr on the American Financial institution Heart in Corpus Christi, within the early hours of Saturday morning reside on Sky Sports activities.
Zayas has been making waves within the boxing world, and for a very good purpose. His final outing in June, a powerful unanimous resolution victory over Ronald Cruz, happened on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez’s victory over Josh Taylor at Madison Sq. Backyard.
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Zayas and Valenzuela face off
“Being concerned within the Puerto Rican Day weekend was a tremendous expertise for me, one thing that I all the time dreamed of and being the co-main occasion to such a tremendous battle, Teofimo Lopez versus Josh Taylor was one thing particular,” Zayas informed Sky Sports activities.
With knowledgeable file of 16-0 (10), Zayas is a star within the making. His contemporaries within the super-welterweight division ought to take notice, as Zayas is on a mission to solidify his standing as a drive to be reckoned with.
“If the sport plan is to field or the sport plan is to go hearth with hearth, I am able to do no matter it takes to get that victory,” he mentioned forward of the Valenzuela battle.
His upcoming bout in opposition to the 21-4 (20) Mexican guarantees to be a stern take a look at. Zayas is effectively conscious of the hazards this battle presents.
“In each battle it’s important to be cautious. A punch can change a battle. In the event that they get you proper, in the event that they get the timing proper of the punch, they may knock you out,” he mentioned.
“We’ll be cautious about his energy. Being sensible, following the sport plan and having enjoyable in there are going to be key elements for my victory.”
Zayas goals of bringing a title battle to Madison Sq. Backyard and Puerto Rico. His aspiration is to headline a present on a Puerto Rican Day weekend occasion, celebrating his heritage and contributing to the legacy of Puerto Rican boxing.
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Xander Zayas stopped Elias Espadas within the fifth spherical after his second knockdown on the Resorts World Occasions Heart in Las Vegas
“That is each Puerto Rican’s dream. That is one thing that I actually need to do. I need to have the ability to win a world title in Madison Sq. Backyard. Hopefully on a Puerto Rican Day weekend or if not, win it in my island of Puerto Rico,” Zayas mentioned.
He goals of following within the footsteps of iconic Corridor of Famer Miguel Cotto, although Zayas had this to say about comparisons between him and the good man: “It is an honour for me. I respect all of the Puerto Rican legends that got here earlier than me, however I do not see myself wanting to match with different individuals.
“I need to be myself. I need to be Xander Zayas.”
Undisputed super-welter champion Jermell Charlo is stepping as much as the super-middleweight to battle Canelo Alvarez. That transfer as much as the next division may open the door for others to problem for belts at 154lbs.
“We all know for a indisputable fact that now he will vacate a few titles as a result of they’ll make him do it as soon as he steps within the ring with Canelo. So that can give the division a bit extra freedom to have extra fights, to have title photographs, title eliminators and total it may open the division,” Zayas defined.
If a possible world title battle was on the playing cards subsequent, Zayas wouldn’t hesitate. “I do know what I can do. I do know I am prepared for each opponent that they put in entrance of me,” he mentioned.
“I prepare laborious, I’ve the dedication, I’ve the laborious work. Now it is only a matter of time.”
Xander Zayas’ conflict with Roberto Valenzuela Jr will likely be on the Luis Alberto Lopez v Joet Gonzalez undercard from 1am on Saturday morning reside on Sky Sports activities Enviornment