Comments Thread For: Xander Zayas: a full-grown titleholder with win over Jorge Garcia

[JuniorTorres720]

Xander is a humble guy and I'm happy for him. Congratulations to the new world champion. Arum told him he'd make his first title defense in Puerto Rico. That would be awesome! It doesn't have to be against a big name either. Give the kid a good homecoming fight and let him put on for his people. Then he can look to fight a bigger name outside of PR. I think he still has plenty of room to improve. He's only 22.

[Corelone]

He reminds me of Haney.

[Dee @ PYP Boxing]

I give Zayas a B. He generally performed well, but he should work on his inside game, which he could since he's physically strong. He should add an uppercut to his arsenal; that would have served him well with Garcia. As he got tired, his jab also disappeared, and his way of hugging Garcia was concerning. But he did show good stamina and was never hurt, even when caught flush.

I do think Zayas has some power, he just doesn't press when he has his opponents buzzed, which did happen a couple of times with Garcia. He's not Ivan Calderon or Paulie Malignaggi.

He is 22, so we'll see if they do move him slowly. I would like to see him against Ramos or Bohachuk.

Absolutely agree with this. I've seen better performances from Zayas, and not because of the opposition, he had Garcia befuddled for many rounds Saturday. Zayas was a little off (tying up, bouncing around too much, stopped jabbing and going to the body, etc.) Despite all of that he was in full control and showed a good chin. Off night and you still get a B? Not bad at all.

Well this tells us the level of once highly touted prospect Charles Conwell. Zayas did what he needed to do based on who he had in front of him. Win is a win and belt is a belt. Onwards and upwards. We will see how he does against Fundora (or Ortiz) as that who he wants next. Nobody will fight Murtazaliev so Zayas will either fight Fundora or Vergil Ortiz Jr. Vegil has yet to fight for a belt after all these years of being a top contender. Maybe the time has come to challenge for a title. Oscar will certainly throw money his way as he does not want to have a bar of Murta.

Zayas called him out by name. No one else in the division has done that, as I can recall. I love that Zayas is ready and willing. At 22, I didn't see the point in rushing him to a title, but here we are. This kid is going to set his legacy with big fights, whether we like it or not. Top Rank developed him well and he should only get better. But now that he has a belt, sink or swim time!

[Corelone]

Wet powder offense. He has no pop and frustration is his tool of choice. Defence to death.

[Left Hook Louie]

Please stop referring to this guy as "champion".
Nothing against Zayas and I wish him all the best, but he is a title holder, not a champion.
At least, not yet.

[The Big Dunn]

IMO Zayas looked good. I think Vargas and Carrington were more impressive.

Zayas is only 22 and appears to be TRa top guy right now so he will get fights he can win and look good as he develops over the next 3 years.

[Bronx2245]

I'm not sure Ortiz would be a smart choice for the youngster yet. Or Fundora or Madrimov or Murtazaliev for that matter. Those cats are a bit too smart for what Zayas is bringing. Zayas needs to work on a few things before stepping up. I do think there's improvement, and I like his composure, but there's room for improvement at his age.

Facts, however he's a Champion now, so sharks will be coming for him! I could see Boots or Jesus Ramos coming at him real soon!

[boxingitis]

This division needs to unify to really know who is the best. Turki needs to make tournament of the top 8. Similar to the Ali Throphy tournament.

[Left Hook Louie]

Facts, however he's a Champion now, so sharks will be coming for him! I could see Boots or Jesus Ramos coming at him real soon!

Not a champion (IMHO), just another titleholder.
Maybe champion someday, but not now.

[Bronx2245]

Not a champion (IMHO), just another titleholder.
Maybe champion someday, but not now.

You can have your opinion, and I respect it, but the FACT is that he's the WBO Champion. Many will want that strap, because it launches them into unification fights, which bring more money.