Boxing will return to The Theater at Madison Square Garden just in time for the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. On Saturday, June 8, 2024, super welterweight Xander Zayas will challenge former world champion Patrick Teixeira in a 10-round bout. The bout will be supported by a 10-round featherweight battle featuring Mexico’s Jose Enrique Vivas and hometown hero Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington. Both bouts will be televised on ESPN and ESPN+ beginning 11 p.m. EST on June 8, 2024.
At 21 years old, Zayas is already one of the most highly touted prospects in the sport of boxing. Raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Top Rank signee has made The Theater at Madison Square Garden his second home, winning 4 of his last seven fights at the venue. Now, he will look to extend his knockout streak in the Big Apple to three, but he’ll have to get past his toughest test yet in Texeira.
“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,” Zayas said about his upcoming fight.
“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.’”
Texeira enters the June showdown with a record of 34-4. In 2019, the Brazilian puncher downed Carlos Adames to become a world champion, but suffered losses in his next three fights. Since then, he’s bounced back three straight knockout wins. Like his opponent, he’s looking to extend his knockout streak with a big win on ESPN this summer.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
