Fast-rising junior middleweight prospect Xander Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) will return to the ring for his first fight in 2024 against Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs). It will be a 10-round clash on Saturday, June 8 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, kicking off the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. The card will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN in the U.S. and on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, while being promoted by Top Rank.
Xander Zayas Next Fight: A New Era Begins
Xander Zayas Next Fight Confirmed
Zayas will look to continue his 100% professional reckon and notch his 19th win, 19 years after Top Rank initiated its parade weekend tradition, which saw Miguel Cotto defeat Muhammad Abdullaev and retain his junior welterweight crown
In the co-feature, we will see the immensely talented Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs) fight in 2024 for the second time, as he looks to extend his knockout streak against Jose Enrique Vivas (34-4, 25 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout.
On the June 8 card, Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum expressed his excitement at the bill: “This is a great New York City card featuring two young men, Xander Zayas and Bruce Carrington, who are poised to become two of the sport’s biggest stars.” He continued: “Our Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend cards are always special, and I can’t wait for another raucous atmosphere.”
Zayas and Teixeira Speak on Upcoming Fight
Zayas has impressed during his professional career, which saw him impress last time out, defeating Spanish contender Jorge Fortea by a fifth-round TKO. Ahead of his June 8 fight, the Puerto Rican native said:
“Representing Puerto Rico on a date in which Boricua culture is celebrated and honored represents a sacred commitment that I have with my people. On June 8, I won’t just be fighting for myself. I’ll be fighting for each and every Puerto Rican who always perseveres when the going gets tough. This is my first main event and my first fight against a former world champion. And I plan on carrying my flag and making it shine on one of the world’s biggest stages, ‘The Mecca of Boxing.’”
His Brazilian opponent memorably defeated Carlos Adames to capture the interim WBO junior middleweight world title in November 2019. He mixed at a world-class level, losing to Brian Castaño and then-unbeaten Russian Magomed Kurbanov, meaning he is likely to be the toughest opponent Zayas has faced. Teixeira also expressed his excitement regarding the upcoming fight:
“It took longer than expected, but this fight is finally here. I can’t wait to get in the ring and put the division on notice. I did it once before when I won my world title against Adames on a Top Rank show, and I’m going to do it again with one of their rising stars. Zayas is a great talent, and everyone there will be supporting him during that important weekend. But my experience will make the difference, and I’ll show that on June 8.”
Carrington vs. Vivas
Carrington has quickly ascended the professional ranks since turning pro in late 2021. He enjoyed an impressive 2023, winning five times, including a TKO win against Jason Sanchez.
Speaking on the upcoming fight against Vivas, “Shu Shu” said: “Vivas should be my toughest opponent to date, but as I do every time I fight in Shu York City, I’m going to put on a crowd-pleasing performance. It’s special to fight in front of the great Puerto Rican fans. I can’t wait for June 8.”
Vivas has proven he knows how to win and bounce back from disappointment as proven by his four-fight winning streak after losing to Ruben Villa in September 2019. Following his loss to Joet Gonzalez, he scored a first-round TKO against Jonathan Aguilar.
Undercard
Jahi Tucker (10-1-1, 5 KOs) vs. Quincy LaVallais (17-4-1, 12 KOs); Junior middleweight
Tiger Johnson (12-0, 6 KOs) vs. Tarik Zaina (13-1-1, 8 KOs); Super lightweight
Elijah Flores (8-0, 3 KOs) vs. Derrick Whitley Jr. (7-4-1); Welterweight
Ofacio Falcon (10-0, 6 KOs) vs. Antonio Dunton El Jr. (5-2-2, 2 KOs); Junior lightweight
Ali Feliz (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Lemir Isom-Riley (4-2, 2 KOs); Heavyweight
Nisa Rodriguez (1-0) vs. Jordanne Garcia ( 4-3-3); Middleweight
Andy Dominguez (10-1, 6 KOs) vs. Cristopher Rios (10-1, 7 KOs); Flyweight
More must-reads: