Exclusive: Xander Zayas Looking To Win First World Title On Final Top Rank-ESPN Card

The career of Xander Zayas has been associated with Top Rank and ESPN since the Puerto Rican made his pro debut on Oct. 26th, 2019. That night, he knocked out Genesis Wynn in the first round. Now he has a chance to win his first world title under the banner that built him up.

Zayas (21-0, 13 KOs) is set to face Jorge Garcia Perez for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title on July 26th at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. On paper, it's the toughest fight of Zayas' career, with Zayas ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 154 lbs, and Garcia Perez at No. 2.

The matchup will see Zayas fight someone similar to his stature, and who also likes to come forward and punish the body. The bout also adds to the illustrious Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry that has been longstanding in the sport of boxing.

Garcia Perez (33-4, 26 KOs) is coming off a career victory, beating Charles Conwell by split decision on April 19th. Zayas told KO on SI that this is the first opponent that has similar reach to him, which may be surprising as the Puerto Rican has long been one of the bigger boxers in the division.

"It's gonna be an interesting fight. I'm gonna do what I do best, and make the adjustments where they need to be made and become a world champion."Zayas told KO on SI