Xander Zayas represents Puerto Rico through every walk of life, especially on his way to the ring for any given fight.
This weekend’s ring entrance, however, will take on an entirely new meaning in light of recent events.
More than two-thirds of Puerto Rico’s 3.1 million residents remain without power following the deadliest earthquake to hit the island in more than 100 years. A series of tremors culminated with a massive 6.4 magnitude earthquake in the southern region of Puerto Rico on Tuesday, displacing thousands of citizens while leaving hundreds of thousands more without power or hot water. The latest damage comes on top of the still-lingering damage from the deadly hurricanes which struck the island more than two years ago.
Zayas—who was born in San Juan but is now based in South Florida—made sure to take a step back from his own fight week activities, checking in with loved ones before heading to Atlantic City for his third pro fight this weekend.
“Fortunately, my family in San Juan remains safe, but there are a lot of people without power and who lost their homes,” Zayas (2-0, 2KOs) noted to BoxingScene.com. “My thoughts are with all my people back in Puerto Rico, and this definitely gives me more motivation to go in there and get that [win].”
Zayas will face Corey Champion (1-1, 1KO) on the undercard of Saturday’s ESPN-televised light heavyweight clash between Jesse Hart (26-2, 21KOs) and Joe Smith Jr. (24-3, 20KOs). Zayas’ bout will be carried live on ESPN+, as has been the case for each of his two pro starts—both of which ended in a 1st round knockout.
Another common theme came with each fight, as will be the case this weekend when the 17-year old former amateur standout—who is expertly guided by 2019 Manager of the Year nominee Peter Kahn and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc.—makes his way to the ring. The ringwalk music of choice for the teenaged Boricua is Marc Anthony’s rendition of ‘Aguanile’, a Puerto Rican anthem which always manages to hype him up as well as serving as a chant of sorts for his fans in attendance as well as those watching at home.
“That song always gets everyone pumped up, it’s always my last bit of motivation before entering the ring,” Zayas notes. “It’s really going to mean something special this weekend. No question, this fight is dedicated to all those who are suffering back home, all those who are looking for any reason to stand up and cheer.
“I always go in to put on a show, and I promise to give my best one yet on Saturday. I will continue to pray for everyone back home, and in the ring will show that I’m always proudly fighting for all of Puerto Rico.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox