Probably the most gifted younger fighters in boxing, Xander Zayas, will return to motion towards Roberto Valenzuela in co-feature to WBO featherweight champion Luis Alberto Lopez’s title protection towards Joet Gonzalez on the American Financial institution Heart, Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday.
Zayas, who’s coming of a shutout determination over Ronald Cruz (UD 8) in June, is comfy with how his improvement has gone since turning skilled in October 2019.
“I really feel prefer it’s the correct step-up and proper time to have this kind of opponent,” Zayas (16-0, 10 knockouts) advised The Ring. “Prime Rank have been wonderful with me in my profession since day one. I’ve loved each step of the way in which. I’ve seen my development inside and outdoors of the ring. I’m changing into a younger man, caring for enterprise and being a gentleman. I’ve loved the entire course of and I’m excited for what the longer term holds. General, I’m doing all the things I can to remain targeted and keep devoted.
“I’ve an excellent workforce behind me, I’ve an excellent firm behind me and backs me up and needs one of the best for me and maintain placing on performances like I at all times do. I belief them to information my profession to be world champion and that is the following step. [This is a] powerful check however we’re making all of the changes within the gymnasium to make September 15 a victory. I’m going to placed on a present like I at all times do.”
The expert 20-year-old boxer-puncher of Puerto Rican extraction says he must be cautious towards his Mexican opponent.
“I really feel like on paper the menace is the knockout ratio, he has gained 21 fights and 20 by knockouts,” he mentioned. “General, I really feel that’s the one menace he possesses, I don’t really feel like he’s a greater boxer than me, I don’t really feel like he has higher I.Q., I don’t really feel he has higher protection, he’s only a sturdy fighter, so we’ve bought to have the ability to break him down and take heed to the nook and have enjoyable.”
Zayas appreciates the transfer up the cardboard and to battle in a special location in entrance of recent followers, having fought 4 of his final 5 instances at his residence away from residence, Madison Sq. Backyard, New York.
“It’s at all times an excellent alternative to get on these nice playing cards and that is no exception,” he mentioned. “The principle occasion goes to be a world title protection. “Venado” has proven why he is likely one of the high 126-pounders. General, it’s going to be a tremendous card. I’m excited for that.”
Though Zayas identifies as Puerto Rican, although is lives in Dawn, Florida. He has taken time away from boxing to spend time on the Island along with his fellow Boricuas, immersing himself within the tradition and combating scene.
“I’ve been round Miguel [Cotto], Ivan Calderon, all these guys that had been nice for Puerto Rico,” he mentioned clearly amped to be spending time with these fighters who paved the way in which for him.
“I’ve not met “Tito” Trinidad but. It’s one thing that I’m trying ahead to doing within the close to future. All of the champions I’ve met from Puerto Rico they at all times inform me the identical factor, keep targeted, maintain my household shut and simply neglect about all the surface noise and be about your online business.”
The teen is aware of he’s bought an extended solution to go to be thought of in the identical breath as them.
“I’m solely 20-years-old, I’m solely getting began,” he mentioned. “I don’t even suppose I’m half solution to the height of my profession, or the place I wish to be. I haven’t achieved something, should you take a look at it that manner, two regional titles however that’s nothing in comparison with what I wish to do.
“I wish to be a world champion, undisputed world champion and battle one of the best. I really feel like 2024, we’re going to begin seeing me combating all these high 10 guys, the fellows who’ve fought for a world title or have been world champion as soon as and knocking on that door for a world title.
“I really feel this one, perhaps one after which after that it’s time to begin looking the sharks. It would work out for a title, or a high contender or former champion on the Puerto Rican Parade weekend [in June 2024.] That’s the purpose. I’m coming and I’m coming to take all the things.”
Valenzuela Jr. (21-4, 20 KOs) turned skilled in early 2017. He gained his first 9 fights earlier than coming unstuck towards Derek Silveira (UD 8). He returned with two wins earlier than being stopped by Alexis Rocha (RTD 5).
After successful eight consecutive fights he stepped up once more and was bested by unbeaten Souleymane Cissokho (UD 10), he additionally went the space in a dropping effort towards Bakhram Murtazaliev (UD 8).
This is a chance for Zayas to showcase his abilities towards arguably one of the best opponent he has confronted to this point. I count on him to rise to the event, placed on a mature efficiency and rating a stoppage within the second half of the battle.
Lopez-Gonzalez, plus undercard motion, might be broadcast stay on ESPN at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.
Questions and/or feedback will be despatched to Anson at [email protected].
Observe @AnsonWainwright
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