Xander Zayas Opens Up About Fan Criticism, Not Getting Big Fights & More

When Zayas entered the Theater inside Madison Square Garden as the main event on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, enormous expectations were placed on his shoulders. The talk of New York City was that this fight would be the crowning moment for Zayas as the next big Puerto Rican attraction, taking the baton from Cotto, who last held it. Being ringside and walking around the venue that night, you couldn’t help but feel the energy that peaked when Zayas made his ringwalk.

Unfortunately, the fight did not deliver with regard to entertainment value, leaving some fans disappointed as they were ready to launch from their seats with a Zayas knockout victory. It just didn’t happen, and social media, along with those hanging outside the Garden, reacted strongly once the fight was over. When this was presented to Zayas, he was visibly irritated by the comments and shared his thoughts.

“It’s boxing,” Zayas told FightsATW. “What am I going to tell’em, ‘stop running because people want me to knock you out.’ He’s going to tell me, ‘F-you Xander, I don’t want to get knocked out.’ I did everything I needed to do that night. I feel like we saw a lot of improvement against my first former world champion. I think we did everything we needed to do. Obviously, I can’t make everyone happy. I wish I could. In this fight, I’m going to show that I continue to get better, improve, make adjustments, listen to my corner, and perform at the highest level. I feel like this is going to be a great fight.”

Regarding the June fight, Zayas felt that the result was also due to his opponent, Patrick Teixeira, not showing the same form he has had against other former and current world champions. “It was a guy with a lot of experience and after he took the first couple of punches in the first couple of rounds, he made up his mind that he wasn’t going to fight and stand there with a young fighter. He tried his best to survive the ten rounds and go the distance. That was a win for him, and he did that. I was expecting a little more of an aggressive Patrick Teixeira, like when he fought [Carlos] “Bronco” Adames or Brian Castano. I did what I had to do, made all of the adjustments and the Team and I are happy with that decision [victory].”

Xander Zayas Returns To MSG As The Co-Main

Leaving the June fight in the rearview, Zayas now faces Damian Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs) on Friday, September 27, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. This time, he will be the co-main as WBO welterweight champion Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) defends her title against Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs). There has been chatter online that this, from the outside looking in, appears to be a step-down or back from headlining just three months ago in the same building. Zayas doesn’t see it that way and, on the contrary, is more than happy to share the card with his stablemate Mayer. “No, I wouldn’t say it’s a step back,” said Zayas. “I’m fighting at the Madison Square Garden as the co-main to Mikaela Mayer, who is like my big sister. She’s fighting for a world title, and I’m only defending my regional title. I feel like she deserves that credit, and why not do it in a big-fight city like New York. I feel like it’s a great opportunity for her, and I’m really happy for that.”

Zayas’ opponent, Sosa, has gone ten rounds with Marques Valle (10-1, 7 KOs) and eight rounds with Clay Collard (9-6-3, 4 KOs), proving he is a tough customer known for going the distance. It will be up to Zayas to break down Sosa and give the fans in attendance the pound of flesh they desire that night. Zayas said he just needs to remain focused, as every opponent is different and brings something new to the fight. 

Zayas Wants To Prove He Is Ready For the Next Big Step

If all goes well on September 27 and Zayas leaves the ring without any significant cuts, he is looking to return in December (likely Heisman Night) as he wants to “end the year strong and put myself into the title shot conversations”. Zayas is currently ranked #6 with the WBC, #7 with the IBF, and #3 with the WBO. As he looks to get bigger fights, one complaint from fans has been the lack of big-name opponents. Although the junior middleweight division is loaded with talent, Zayas feels he is doing everything he can, but it’s the potential opponents who won’t step up and take the challenge. 

“We’ve been trying,” said Zayas. “A lot of these guys outprice themselves. They don’t want to take the risk and lose for a small amount of money. Some of these guys are going to shoot for a crazy amount of money, and I’m like, ‘dude, let’s just make the fight happen.’ It’s like if you win, then you get the lottery ticket. I can understand where they are coming from and wanting to make the most amount of money, but this is boxing. I’m here to face the best, and I’m just waiting for my opportunity.”

Zayas is high enough in the rankings where a potential fight with Josh Kelly (16-1-1, 8 KOs) could be on the horizon in December if he comes out victorious and unscathed. If that is the case, Zayas would be just one fight away from a title shot. He is nearing the opportunity he has long desired, but there is still work to be done for the shot at the title and to place that Puerto Rican crown on his head. As long as he gets the opportunity, the specific title path isn’t important to Zayas. He confidently said, “Man, whoever wants to give me that chance. It doesn’t matter who it is. At this point, I just want my opportunity. I just need that door to open so that I can show the world what Xander is all about and then take over from there.” 

Zayas faces Sosa on ESPN and will be expected to deliver a performance that will get his momentum back on the open road. Let’s see if he hits any more speed bumps on the way or if he will be flooring it and taking his career to new levels.