Xander Zayas working towards title shot

Top Rank Boxing’s undefeated junior middleweight Xander Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) will take on Spain’s Jorge Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs) on Saturday, December 9 in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Zayas-Fortea will serve as the co-feature to the WBO featherweight world title bout between Las Vegas-based Cuban, two-time Olympic gold medalist and WBO featherweight champion Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and Mexico’s undefeated Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) scheduled for 12 rounds in the main event.

Zayas turned pro at 16 in October 2019. Only 21, he is already a 5-year pro and has started to set his sights on a world title shot at the 154-pound division. But first, Saturday’s assignment won’t be an easy one with Fortea coming in riding a 3-fight win streak and in the classic ‘no pressure, nothing to lose’ position.

Top Rank is hoping they can have the same success with Zayas which has seen the boxing crazed island adore the likes of past idols like Miguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad, and others.  

Zayas has been perfect in 17 outings. He has shown the ability to box, bang, and fights with a measured maturity that belies his years. Also, his easy-going demeanor out of the ring makes him approachable, friendly and an easy guy to root for. 

In pre-fight pressers, it was clear that while living in Florida, Zayas is still very much connected to his Puerto Rico roots and their passion for boxing. 

"I can’t wait for the bell to ring on December 9 in South Florida. I dedicate this fight all my Boricuas from the

’Island of Enchantment’ and the Puerto Rican Diaspora”, he said.  

This is a fighter looking to keep climbing the 154-pound ladder with big things to come in 2024. 

"I am determined to close the year with a bang and to continue positioning myself as one of the main contenders at junior middleweight. In the new year, I’m aiming to continuing my climb up the ranks step by step”.