Xander Zayas: “I Have 10 Rounds To Do Damage!"
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 25 May 2024
Zayas returns against Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira on Saturday, June 8 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 24, 2024) — The Xander Zayas era is about to begin.
The 21-year-old junior middleweight phenom will face Brazilian former world champion Patrick Teixeira in the 10-round main event on Saturday, June 8, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas looks to kick off Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend by taking on his stiffest test to date.
In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs), the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, aims to extend his knockout streak against Mexico’s Jose Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs).
Zayas-Teixeira and Carrington-Vivas will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK & Ireland.
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and debuted as a pro in October 2019. He won his first regional belt with a fifth-round TKO win against Elias Espadas in August 2022 before vanquishing Alexis Salazar following eight rounds that December. In 2023, he beat Ronald Cruz via eight-round decision during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend and stopped Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in five in September. Zayas ended the year that December by tallying a fifth-round stoppage against Jorge Fortea. Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) returns to the United States following three consecutive knockout wins in his home country.
Following a recent training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is what Zayas had to say:
“Patrick Teixeira is a former world champion. He has a lot of experience. He has fought great fighters, and he’s very hungry to return to the top of the sport. So, I have to go in there very prepared because I know he will also be prepared.”
“In this fight, I have to be intelligent. I have to follow the game plan. I have to block out all the emotions that will be a part of that night. Obviously, it’s an important night for Puerto Ricans. But we’re going to have to block that out. We’re going to have to be patient and work little by little. I have 10 rounds to do the damage that I want to do and to put on a great show.”
“I’m excited to get in there with him. I’m excited to explore the things that I’ve seen on video. I’m excited to explore the game plan we have for him. And I’m excited to showcase why my era will begin on June 8."
“It’s a dream come true to headline at Madison Square Garden. I’ve been asking for this for some time. I was waiting for my turn because we take things step by step, as I’ve done my whole career. But it’s something that, at 21 years of age, is impressive. I still can’t believe it. But at the same time, I try to take it as just another fight and remain focused.”
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Carlos Cañizales Forced to Cancel Flight to Thailand for WBC World Title Defense
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Boxing Champions Promotions to Present Manny Pacquiao & Freddie Roach with Inaugural “Centurion Awards” During Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event on November 29
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Atif Oberlton Takes on Vaughn Alexander on Saturday, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Iligan tops in PEKAF Mindanao qualifying tourney
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 27 Nov 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2026 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th
Thu, 27 Nov 2025World Renowned Boxing Trainer Bob Santos Launches Private Boxing Camp in Las Vegas
Thu, 27 Nov 2025Eight Boxers Remain in WBC Grand Prix Finals On December 20
Wed, 26 Nov 2025WBA/WBO Cruiserweight Champion Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez Confirms World Title Fight with David Benavidez on Cinco de Mayo in Las Vegas
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Petecio in, Paalam out
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Takuma Inoue World Champion Again; Beats Nasukawa for Vacant WBC Belt
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 26 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 3: 1920 OLYMPIC GAMES AT ANTWERP, BELGIUM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Badenas TKO’s Saknosiwi in 10th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Las Vegas & California Amateurs Shine in a Powerful Fall Rumble Weekend Followed by a Heartfelt Turkey Drive for Local Families
Wed, 26 Nov 2025Santa Run Davao on December 14 at NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 26 Nov 2025Alec “The Rock” Del Rio Fights for WBC Asia Title Friday in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 25 Nov 2025