Xander Zayas Ready to Shine in Madison Square Garden Showdown on Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend

On Saturday, June 8, Xander Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) returns to action against Brazilian Patrick Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) at The Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN, with Sky Sports broadcasting the event in the UK & Ireland. The Puerto Rican will be the headline act in what will be his toughest challenge to date on Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend.

The co-feature will see the Brooklyn featherweight prodigy Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs) take on Mexican Jose Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs) as the Brooklyn native looks to extend his impressive KO streak on the Top Rank promoted card. Following a recent training session in Florida, Zayas spoke about the upcoming fight.

Xander Zayas Next Fight: Ready for Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend

Xander Zayas Speaks on Upcoming Challenge

Zayas has been with Top Rank since his professional debut in October 2019. His boxing ability has stood out, with his ability to pick his punches and deliver KO power, as proven in his fifth-round TKO win against Elias Espadas in August 2022, which gave him the vacant WBO NABO super welterweight. Since that win he has won four times, with two by KO.

Zayas spoke on the upcoming fight and what he has to do: “Patrick Teixeira is a former world champion. He has a lot of experience. He has fought great fighters, and he’s very hungry to return to the top of the sport. So, I have to go in there very prepared because I know he will also be prepared.”

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He continued: “In this fight, I have to be intelligent. I have to follow the game plan. I have to block out all the emotions that will be a part of that night. Obviously, it’s an important night for Puerto Ricans. But we’re going to have to block that out. We’re going to have to be patient and work little by little. I have 10 rounds to do the damage that I want to do and to put on a great show.”

Headlining at Madison Square Garden

Zayas spoke on the gameplan: “I’m excited to get in there with him. I’m excited to explore the things that I’ve seen on video. I’m excited to explore the game plan we have for him. And I’m excited to showcase why my era will begin on June 8.”

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He also spoke on his feelings about headlining at MSG: “It’s a dream come true to headline at Madison Square Garden. I’ve been asking for this for some time. I was waiting for my turn because we take things step by step, as I’ve done my whole career. But it’s something that, at 21 years of age, is impressive. I still can’t believe it. But at the same time, I try to take it as just another fight and remain focused.”