Xander Zayas: “This is the Most Important Fight of My Career!”
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 05 Feb 2025
Zayas returns against fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer on Friday, Feb. 14 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2025) — WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas is knocking on the door of a world title opportunity, and a dominant showing could be the key to unlocking it.
The 22-year-old Puerto Rican phenom will lock horns with fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer in a 10-round showdown on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Spomer will be the co-feature to the WBO lightweight world title battle between reigning champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) and American challenger Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs).
New Jersey-born middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a 10-rounder against world-ranked contender Connor “The Kid” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).
Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 in 2019 and has become one of Puerto Rico’s most promising young stars. In 2024, he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira in June and decisioned Damian Sosa in September, solidifying his status as the WBO’s No. 1 contender. Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs), who tallied stoppage wins in 2023 versus Felice Moncelli and Milan Prat, returns after scoring a first-round TKO against Adam Ngange in November.
Following a recent training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is what Zayas said:
"I’ve watched clips of his fights. He’s undefeated and knows how to adjust. He’s a good boxer, but I feel superior in every aspect. He’s a warrior, but I am the better fighter overall."
“We’ve worked on everything. We’ve worked on defense, offense, countering, and using our angles. Based on my preparation and the kind of rhythm I'll have in the fight, he won’t be able to handle me. I'm also ready to go the full 10 rounds. So, whether it goes the distance or not, I know I’m leaving with the win.”
“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m fighting someone who’s ranked and unbeaten, and the winner will likely get a world title shot this year. We’ve worked toward that goal for many years and are closer than ever. I’m highly focused on what I have to do, and I know I have to look spectacular.”
“For lots of people, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. For me, though, it’s a chance to showcase why I’m the best at 154 pounds and deserve a world title shot next. I’m ready to make a statement."
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
The Past Week in Action 4 February 2025: Benavidez Beats Morrell; Fulton Outpoints Figueroa; Shields Defeats Perkins
By Eric Armit, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Historic Riyadh Season Blockbuster Set for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
Wed, 05 Feb 2025Xander Zayas: “This is the Most Important Fight of My Career!”
Wed, 05 Feb 2025Mano Mano sa Candelaria 3: Gemino Outpoints Mancito
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 05 Feb 2025THE TALENTED AND UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DARIUS “DFG” FULGHUM RETURNS AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR DUARTE VS. PROGRAIS
Wed, 05 Feb 2025IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš to highlight the ascending stars of female boxing
Wed, 05 Feb 2025Kaipo Gallegos Shines in Las Vegas Victory Over Leonardo Padilla
Wed, 05 Feb 2025World Boxing membership grows to 72 National Federations as Executive Board approves four new applications from Egypt, Gambia, Kiribati and Grenada
Wed, 05 Feb 2025Deonte Brown signs with prominent manager Trifon Petrov
Wed, 05 Feb 2025Memphis Grizzlies Repeat Over SA Spurs, Overtake Houston Rockets for 2nd in West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 04 Feb 2025WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Tue, 04 Feb 2025IM Michael Concio and Chester Neil Reyes banner IIEE Quezon to win the quarterfinals of the PTC World Engineering Day online Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 04 Feb 2025THURSDAY: Arthur Biyarslanov-Mohamed Mimoune & Heavyweight KO Artist Bakhodir Jalolov’s Return to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
Tue, 04 Feb 2025Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: The Super Fight of 2025 Officially Set for Las Vegas
Tue, 04 Feb 2025Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Makes History and Captures the Undisputed Heavyweight Title at Super Brawl Sunday in Flint, Mich.
Tue, 04 Feb 2025