Puerto Rican prodigy Xander Zayas will carry tunnel vision into Madison Square Garden’s Theater on July 26, but admits the specter of a future clash with newly transplanted 154-pounder Jaron “Boots” Ennis sharpens his focus. Zayas faces Mexico’s tricky Jorge Garcia Perez for the vacant WBO super-welterweight crown - an opportunity that surfaced when Sebastian Fundora chose Tim Tszyu over mandatory duty.
Perez earned his No. 2 ranking by out-smarting Charles Conwell in April, and Zayas insists no name beyond Perez exists until the final bell. “He’s coming to win, he’s put everything on the line - so have I,” the 22-year-old told Boxing News. Yet he concedes Ennis’ arrival in the division “definitely brings out my competitive side.”
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Ennis has vacated the IBF welterweight strap, citing a long-overdue move north; the timing dovetails perfectly with Zayas’ hunt for legacy fights should he leave MSG with the WBO belt. “He’ll know where to find us,” Zayas noted, pointing to his manager’s ties with Ennis’ stablemate Andy Cruz as proof negotiations would be “straightforward.”
First, however, Zayas must douse the unorthodox fire Perez brings - no sure thing given the Mexican’s upset streak and awkward rhythm. Only after that can talk of a mouth-watering Ennis showdown shift from fantasy to formal bargaining, setting the stage for a blockbuster collision of unbeaten stars at 154 lbs.
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