Xander Zayas / Getty Images

‘You Got a Gift!’ – Xander Zayas’ Championship Win Draws Harsh Criticism from Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Aug 2, 2025 7:17 PM ET

A young champion has emerged, but not without drawing the ire of a hungry division contender

Riding high after securing his first world title, Xander Zayas now finds himself in the center of more than just championship glory. The 22-year-old made history by defeating Jorge Garcia Perez via unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden to claim the vacant WBO junior middleweight title—making him the youngest active world champion in boxing. But as the celebrations kicked off, a heated division rival wasn't clapping.

Vergil Ortiz Jr., who currently holds the WBC interim title, had a lot to say about Zayas' crowning moment—and he didn't hold back. In a lengthy post on X, Ortiz began with a congratulatory tone before launching into a pointed critique of Zayas' resume.

'You got a gift!' Ortiz wrote, pointing out that Perez barely cracked the top 15, while his own last two opponents were top 10 contenders. 'We're at different levels,' he added, comparing his 21-year-old showdown with Antonio Orozco to Zayas' title fight. Ortiz even alleged that his more compelling bout against Israil Madrimov was bypassed for a title shot—suggesting the vacant belt may have been 'held for somebody.'

Zayas didn't let that go unanswered, firing back: 'Keep all those excuses to yourself brother, talk to me when you become a world champion.' The interaction, captured by Ring Magazine, further ignited fan speculation about a future clash between the two rising stars.

Vergil Ortiz Jr and Xander Zayas trade jabs on social media pic.twitter.com/byubt3WTjy
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) August 1, 2025

Despite the tension, the two nearly crossed paths earlier this year. Zayas was reportedly quick to accept a February 22nd fight in Riyadh Season against Ortiz, but the bout never materialized. Instead, Ortiz went on to defeat Madrimov in what turned out to be a gritty statement win.

Now, with Zayas holding gold and Ortiz surging back into the conversation, the rivalry is beginning to reach a boiling point. No official fight is on the books yet, but if their online words are any preview, the eventual in-ring clash could be one of the division's most explosive showdowns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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