Xander Zayas Set for First World Title Shot at MSG

Undefeated Puerto Rican standout Xander Zayas (21-0, 13 KOs) will fight for his first world title this Saturday, July 26, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas will face Mexican veteran Jorge Garcia (33-4, 26 KOs) for the vacant WBO junior middleweight championship in a bout that headlines a stacked Top Rank card.

Zayas, who signed with Top Rank at just 16 years old, returns to his home away from home — Madison Square Garden — for what will be his eighth appearance at the iconic venue. Now 22, Zayas believes he is ready to fulfill the dream he’s pursued since childhood.

Co-Feature Bouts Highlight Future Stars

In the co-main event, Brooklyn’s Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (15-0, 9 KOs) takes on Namibia’s unbeaten Mateus Heita (14-0, 9 KOs) for the WBC interim featherweight title. Carrington, known for his charisma and sharp boxing, has long called for a step up in competition and now finds himself on the brink of a world title opportunity.

Rising junior welterweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas (14-0, 12 KOs) will open the televised portion of the card in an eight-rounder against Alexander Espinoza (20-3-1, 9 KOs) of Ecuador.

The main card airs live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Undercard action begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN+.

Undercard Features Caribbean Talent

Dominican welterweight Rohan Polanco (16-0, 10 KOs) defends his WBO Intercontinental title against experienced American Quinton Randall (15-2-1, 3 KOs).

Also in action, second-generation Puerto Rican fighter Juanmita Lopez De Jesus (2-0, 1 KO) returns for his third professional bout against Jorge Gonzalez-Sanchez (5-2, 4 KOs) in a four-round junior bantamweight contest.

In a battle of power punchers, Dominican featherweight Yan Santana (14-0, 12 KOs) faces seasoned contender Aaron Alameda (30-2, 17 KOs) for the vacant NABO featherweight title.

Press Conference Highlights

Zayas expressed confidence and focus ahead of the biggest fight of his career. “Fight number 22 at MSG — it’s my moment to become a world champion. My team and I have prepared for this since day one,” he said.

Garcia, who enters with momentum and belief, stated, “This is the most important fight of my life. I’ve dreamed of this opportunity, and I’m ready to make it happen.”

Carrington, locked in and determined, said, “This fight isn’t going 12. I’m going to show the world why I’m special.”

Heita, unfazed by the hype, responded, “He’s just another opponent. I’m ready to bring this win back to Namibia.”

Vargas, Polanco, Lopez De Jesus, Santana, and others also spoke confidently about their readiness and determination to shine on the big stage.