On the night of July 26, Madison Square Garden witnessed more than just a fight — it saw the birth of a star. At just 22 years old, Xander Zayas defeated Mexican fighter Jorge “Chino” García and was crowned the WBO super welterweight world champion, making him the youngest current world champion in boxing.
Puerto Rico, a land of legendary warriors in the ring, has a new idol — and it’s celebrating in a big way.
Here are 10 things you may not know about Xander Zayas, the new pride of Puerto Rico:
1. From San Juan to the world — but always Puerto Rican
He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 5, 2002, but has lived in Florida since he was five. Despite growing up in another country, he has never stopped proudly identifying as Puerto Rican. “My blood is Boricua. I always represent my flag with heart,” he has said in multiple interviews.
2. From bullying to boxing
His story began like many champions: overcoming adversity. He started boxing because he was bullied at school. At the age of five, he walked into a gym in Sunrise, Florida — and never left the ring.
3. A fan of fashion (and of Bad Bunny)
On social media, he looks just as comfortable wearing boxing gloves as he does in designer outfits. He loves fashion and Latin music — he’s a fan of Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro — and doesn’t shy away from showing his fun side outside the ring.
4. He was the top U.S. amateur
Before turning pro, he was considered the best amateur boxer in the U.S. in his weight class. His talent was so clear that many expected him to go to the Olympics — but Zayas had other plans.
5. Signed with Top Rank at 16 (and turned pro at 17)
Yes, you read that right. At just 16, he signed with powerhouse promoter Top Rank — the same company that launched the careers of legends like Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. He made his pro debut in October 2019 at 17 years old — and of course, he won by knockout.
Xander Zayas vs. Slawa Spomer. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
6. A love affair with Madison Square Garden
He’s already fought eight times at “the mecca of boxing,” and every time he steps into the ring there, he does so with a smile. “Seeing the Puerto Rican flags in the Garden gives me a strength I can’t explain,” he said after his victory over “Chino” García.
7. His secret weapon is the jab
Zayas is a smart fighter. In his latest bout, he controlled the fight with a constant and precise jab. According to stats, he landed 38% of his total punches and 45% of his power punches — well above average. “Boxing 101,” as he called it.
8. He dreams of unifying titles (and called out his next opponent live)
The moment they placed the belt around his waist; he publicly called out to WBC super welterweight champion Sebastián Fundora. “Fundora, I’m ready for December!” he shouted on camera. Confidence clearly isn’t lacking.
9. Backed by legends
Both Miguel Cotto and Félix “Tito” Trinidad have publicly praised him. Tito even told him he considers Zayas his successor — high praise coming from the most beloved boxer in Puerto Rico’s history.
10. He never forgets where he came from
Despite his rising fame, Zayas remains humble and close to his family. His mother, Madeline, is his biggest supporter, and his younger sister is his number one fan. “I want to inspire the youth of my Island to never give up on their dreams,” he always says with a sincere smile.
Zayas is more than a promising prospect — he’s the real deal. He has the charisma, the talent, and the heart of a great. And if one thing became clear in New York, it’s that he’s just getting started. Whether he reaches the legendary status of Cotto or Trinidad remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the new Puerto Rican champion has already begun writing his own story.
