Xander Zayas Returns to MSG: Puerto Rican Phenom Set for Puerto Rico vs. Mexico Clash on Sept. 27

On September 27 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) returns to action against Mexico’s Damian Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs) in a 10-round co-feature to the WBO welterweight title clash between reigning champ Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer. Promising Brooklyn-born featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (12-0, 8 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader against Sulaiman Segawa (17-4-1, 6 KOs). The card will be promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing. Zayas has spoken after a recent training session about the excitement of boxing in New York City and preparing to face a fighter like Sosa.

Xander Zayas Next Fight Against Sosa at MSG

Zayas Ready and to Face Sosa

The 22-year-old Puerto Rican signed with Top Rank in 2019 when he was just 16 years old. Zayas is fast making New York his fighting home, amassing a 5-0 record at MSG venues. In his last fight, he defeated world champion Patrick Teixeira by unanimous decision with Sosa last seen beating, then-unbeaten Marques Valle by split decision on April 24 this year.

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Following a recent training session, Zayas spoke about Sosa and the importance of preparing for his opponent’s style: “Damian Sosa is a Mexican warrior who brings that work ethic, hunger, and drive to snatch this win from me. He’s coming off a solid victory in his last fight against another Puerto Rican. I know he’ll come well-prepared, and that’s exactly what we want. We want the best version of Damian Sosa that night, and I think we’ll get it.”

He continued: “We are adjusting for a fighter who applies a lot of pressure and throws lots of punches. It’s all about being smart, sticking to the game plan, and listening to my corner.”

Zayas Talks Preparing and Fighting in NYC

Speaking about preparation for the upcoming fight, the Puerto Rican said: “Right now, we’re focusing more on conditioning, being at 100 percent at all times, and not losing focus at any point during the fight. We’re also working on being ready to fight on the inside when I need to and boxing on the outside when it’s time to box.”

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Revealing his excitement on fighting in New York, he said: “It’s exciting to be heading back to New York. Every time, I can feel more of the love and support from the people who want to see me in the city that never sleeps. It’s something special.”

Zayas is eager to showcase his skills once again in front of the passionate New York crowd, aiming to maintain his undefeated record against the challenge of Sosa.