Throughout history, Puerto Rican fighters have treated Madison Square Garden as if it were the Apollo Theater. Just this year, Amanda Serrano battled Katie Taylor, Edgar Berlanga extended his unbeaten streak and Miguel Cotto received a key to the venue. Taking Puerto Rican boxing into a new era, Xander Zayas is more than prepared to put on a show each time he steps into the ring at the house that Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier built more than 50 years ago.
Xander Zayas is quickly stripping himself of the prospect label and transitioning into a contender in the super welterweight division. His latest performance featured a seasoned dance partner by the name of Alexis Salazar Flores with a professional record of 24-4.
“I don’t think he’s ready,” Salazar said of Zayas.
“I’ve seen his fights. He hasn’t had a fight that’s an actual even fight. He gets fights with dudes that are 5-foot-1.”
Despite the veteran’s beliefs, Zayas was more than ready for the challenge. Through the first seven rounds, the Puerto Rican fighter danced around his opponent, out-landing him by more than 30 punches. Still, Salazar continued to push forward and pressure the young fighter until the final bell rang. In the end, all three judges delivered the following scores in favor of the emerging Puerto Rican star: 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Answered the call ? pic.twitter.com/SGvQKP8W4m
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) December 11, 2022
