Xander Zayas Shines in Dominant Victory Against Patrick Teixeira

Xander Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) put on a dominant performance to claim a unanimous decision win over former 154-lb champion Patrick Teixeira (34-5, 25 KOs).

Scores for the super welterweight bout were 100-90 (x2) and 99-91. The fight headlined a Top Rank card at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York City, NY. Fight fans in the United States could catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Those in the United Kingdom could do so on Sky Sports while Canadian fight fans could tune in via TSN.

Xander Zayas Dominates Patrick Teixeira at MSG

Xander Zayas vs. Patrick Teixeira Recap

Zayas had success early on, landing a variety of punches against an opponent fighting off of the backfoot. It was clear from the beginning that the Puerto Rican was the faster and more accurate of the two. While it was not for a lack of throwing punches, Teixeira was just unable to land against a defensively sound opponent.

Zayas made sure to mix up his shots, throwing and landing to the head and body in far greater quantity than Teixeira. The young fighter started pressing for the stoppage in round eight, aggressively pursuing Teixeira, hurting him repeatedly and causing blood to pour from the left side of his face. However, the Brazilian moved around the ring in a bid to avoid getting hit with a blow that could knock him down. Teixeira was successful in doing so, making it to the final bell without touching the canvas.

Zayas landed every punch he had in his arsenal but was unable to get the stoppage. Teixeira struggled to land anything of substance for the entirety of the bout. While Zayas wound up dominating, it did feel like he could have gotten the stoppage had he taken a more aggressive approach earlier in the fight.

Post-Fight Interview

“I’ve been saying it: [Erickson] Lubin…Josh Kelly,” said Zayas on who he would like to fight next. They [Top Rank] also just signed Vito Mielnicki. Good friend of mine, but he’s 154 lbs, he’s from Jersey, [I’m from] Puerto Rico. I feel like it’s a fight we can make happen in the near future.”

“Man, thank you [the fans] for all the love. Thank you for all the support. I’ll see you guys tomorrow in the Puerto Rican parade.”

Undercard Results

Bruce Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) won via eighth-round technical knockout against Brayan de Gracia (29-4-1, 25 KOs). The time of stoppage for this 10-round featherweight contest was 2:56. Carrington scored knockdowns in the fifth and seventh rounds. A barrage of punches from him in the eighth caused referee Eric Dali to step in to end the bout.

Delante “Tiger” Johnson (13-0, 6 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Tarik Zaina (13-2-1, 8 KOs). Scores for the eight-round super lightweight fight were 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75 for Johnson.

Andy Velasquez (11-1, 6 KOs) won a majority decision against Christopher Rios (10-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round flyweight clash. While one judge saw it 76-76, the other two had it 78-74 and 77-75 for Velasquez.

Jahi Tucker (11-1-1, 5 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Quincy LaVallais (17-5-1, 12 KOs). Scores for the eight-round middleweight bout were 80-72 across the board.

Ofacio Falcon (12-0, 6 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Antonio Dunton El Jr. (5-3-2, 2 KOs). Scores for the six-round super featherweight clash were 60-53 (x2) and 59-54. Falcon scored a knockdown in round two.

Ali Feliz (2-0, 2 KOs) won via first-round technical knockout against Lemir Riley (4-3, 2 KOs, 1 NC). The time of stoppage for this four-round heavyweight clash was 1:25. Riley went to the canvas from a straight right hand. After a barrage of punches from Feliz, referee Eddie Claudio waved off the fight.

Opening the broadcast on ESPN+, Nisa Rodriguez (2-0, 0 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Jordanne Garcia (4-4-3, 0 KOs). Scores for the four-round middleweight contest were 40- 36 across the board.