Xander Zayas: “That is crucial struggle of my profession”
Zayas returns in opposition to fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer on Friday, Feb. 14 at The Theater at Madison Sq. Backyard LIVE on ESPN
WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas is knocking on the door of a world title alternative, and a dominant displaying may very well be the important thing 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 Sq. Backyard.
Zayas-Spomer would be the co-feature to the WBO light-weight 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 in opposition to world-ranked contender Connor “The Child” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).
Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle might be broadcast reside on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Promoted by High Rank, in affiliation with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.com.
Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) signed with High Rank at 16 in 2019 and has turn into certainly one of Puerto Rico’s most promising younger stars.
In 2024, he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira in June and decisioned Damian Sosa in September, solidifying his standing because 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 in opposition to Adam Ngange in November.
Following a latest coaching session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that is what Zayas mentioned:
“I’ve watched clips of his fights. He’s undefeated and is aware of easy methods to alter. He’s a great boxer, however I really feel superior in each facet. He’s a warrior, however I’m the higher fighter total.
“We’ve labored on the whole lot. We’ve labored on defence, offense, countering, and utilizing our angles. Based mostly on my preparation and the type of rhythm I’ll have within the struggle, he received’t be capable to deal with me. I’m additionally able to go the complete 10 rounds. So, whether or not it goes the space or not, I do know I’m leaving with the win.
“That is crucial struggle of my profession. I’m combating somebody who’s ranked and unbeaten, and the winner will seemingly get a world title shot this yr. We’ve labored towards that objective for a few years and are nearer than ever. I’m extremely centered on what I’ve to do, and I do know I’ve to look spectacular.
“For plenty of folks, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. For me, although, it’s an opportunity to showcase why I’m the perfect at 154 kilos and deserve a world title shot subsequent. I’m able to make a press release.“
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