Xander Zayas Eyes First World Title in July 26 Showdown at Madison Square Garden

Rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas is set to chase his first world championship on Saturday, July 26, when he faces dangerous Mexican contender Jorge Garcia for the vacant WBO junior middleweight world title. The bout headlines a stacked card at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Top Rank’s youngest-ever signee at just 16, Zayas (21-0, 13 KOs) has quickly risen through the ranks and now, at only 22, is on the cusp of fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion.

The event, promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 6 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

Main Event: Zayas vs. Garcia

Zayas has built a strong résumé since turning professional at 17, becoming a title contender after a 2022 knockout win over Elias Espadas to claim the NABO title. He has since made seven defenses, including dominant performances against Damian Sosa, Patrick Teixeira, and a February 2025 stoppage of Germany’s Slawa Spomer.

“This is a dream I’ve worked toward my whole life,” said Zayas. “I know Jorge Garcia is hungry, but I’m ready to represent Puerto Rico and bring that world title home on July 26.”

Garcia (33-4, 26 KOs), known for his punching power and upset pedigree, enters the fight on an eight-bout winning streak. His recent split-decision victory over previously unbeaten U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell earned him the WBO’s No. 2 ranking and this title opportunity.

“People didn’t believe I’d win my last fight, but I shocked everyone,” said Garcia. “I’m going to do it again and bring the belt home to Mexico.”

Co-Feature: Carrington vs. Heita for Interim WBC Featherweight Title

Brooklyn’s Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (15-0, 9 KOs) will fight unbeaten Namibian standout Mateus Heita (14-0, 9 KOs) for the WBC interim featherweight world title.

Carrington, ranked in the top five by all four major sanctioning bodies, has struggled to find willing opponents. In 2024, he went 4-0, including a highlight-reel KO of Bernard Torres and a dominant stoppage of Jose Enrique Vivas in March.

“MSG is home, and I’m ready to put on a show for my city,” said Carrington. “Heita is brave for accepting the fight—but I’m going to make a statement.”

Heita, a WBO Africa champion and rising star from Namibia, enters the bout after back-to-back wins, including a wide decision over South Africa’s Abdulaziz Kunert in April.

“I’ve always wanted to face the best. Carrington is just another obstacle I’ll overcome on my way to becoming world champion,” said Heita.

Televised Opener: Emiliano Vargas Returns

In the opening televised bout, fast-rising Mexican American Emiliano Fernando Vargas (14-0, 12 KOs) will battle Alexander Espinoza (20-3-1, 9 KOs) in a junior welterweight clash.

The 20-year-old Vargas, son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, is coming off a red-hot start to 2025 with back-to-back second-round knockouts. Espinoza, a seasoned pro, enters with momentum after two wins in Ecuador.

“I’m ready to perform under the bright lights of New York,” said Vargas. “Every fight brings me closer to the world title that I know is in my future.”

Undercard Highlights (Streaming on ESPN+)

The undercard will spotlight promising young talent, including:

Juanmita Lopez De Jesus (2-0, 1 KO), son of former two-division champ Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, who returns in a four-round junior bantamweight bout against Jorge Gonzalez-Sanchez (5-2, 4 KOs).

The pro debut of Julius “JuJu” Ballo, a former Team USA amateur standout, who will face Brandan Ayala (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round featherweight contest.

Bob Arum on Zayas

“When we signed Xander at 16, we saw endless potential,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Now he’s an accomplished young contender, and this main event promises fireworks. Jorge Garcia has earned this shot, and fans can expect an unforgettable night of action.”

Don’t miss the next chapter in Puerto Rico’s boxing legacy and a night filled with rising stars and world title stakes — July 26 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.