FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas is knocking on the door of a world title alternative, and a dominant displaying could possibly be the important thing to unlocking it.
The 22-year-old Puerto Rican phenom will lock horns with fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer in a 10-round showdown on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Sq. Backyard. Zayas-Spomer would be the co-feature to the WBO light-weight world title battle between reigning champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) and American challenger Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs).
New Jersey-born middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a 10-rounder towards world-ranked contender Connor “The Child” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).
Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle might be broadcast stay on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Prime Rank, in affiliation with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale now by way of Ticketmaster.com.
Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) signed with Prime Rank at 16 in 2019 and has grow to be certainly one of Puerto Rico’s most promising younger stars. In 2024, he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira in June and decisioned Damian Sosa in September, solidifying his standing because the WBO’s No. 1 contender. Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs), who tallied stoppage wins in 2023 versus Felice Moncelli and Milan Prat, returns after scoring a first-round TKO towards Adam Ngange in November.
Following a latest coaching session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that is what Zayas stated:
“I’ve watched clips of his fights. He’s undefeated and is aware of methods to alter. He’s a superb boxer, however I really feel superior in each side. He’s a warrior, however I’m the higher fighter general.”
“We’ve labored on every thing. We’ve labored on protection, offense, countering, and utilizing our angles. Primarily based on my preparation and the sort of rhythm I’ll have within the battle, he received’t be capable to deal with me. I’m additionally able to go the total 10 rounds. So, whether or not it goes the space or not, I do know I’m leaving with the win.”
“That is crucial battle of my profession. I’m combating somebody who’s ranked and unbeaten, and the winner will seemingly get a world title shot this 12 months. We’ve labored towards that aim for a few years and are nearer than ever. I’m extremely targeted on what I’ve to do, and I do know I’ve to look spectacular.”
“For plenty of folks, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. For me, although, it’s an opportunity to showcase why I’m the most effective at 154 kilos and deserve a world title shot subsequent. I’m able to make a press release.”
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and in addition a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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