Xander Zayas says he’s mentioned “Sure” to a battle in opposition to Vergil Jr. on February twenty second. The undefeated 154-lb contender Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) claims he was given an hour to determine, and he agreed “in a single minute.”
It’s admirable that Zayas agreed to face Vergil, however he’s not prepared for this. Zayas doesn’t appear to be he would ever be able to battle a killer like Ortiz Jr, and it has nothing to do with age or expertise. Xander is lacking the spark to battle at an A-level like Vergil or some other high fighter at 154. He’s a finesse fighter from the Shakur mould who strikes, holds, and does the minimal. That might be like a plate of meals for a shark like Vergil Ortiz.
What Zayas Lacks:
– Energy
– Chin
– Braveness
– Expertise
Ortiz Jr. vs. Zayas: A Carried out Deal?
Zayas, 22, doesn’t say whether or not his promoters at Prime Rank have agreed to him preventing WBC interim 154-lb champion Ortiz. Though there wouldn’t be a weight subject stopping a battle between Zayas and Vergi, Xander’s age and lack of expertise might make Prime Rank hesitant to make that battle. Till the promoters make it official, you must be skeptical.
Zayas isn’t a giant puncher and has appeared beneath common in fights in opposition to Damian Sosa, Patrick Teixeira, and Alexis Salazar Flores. Xander is ranked #1 WBO, #4 WBC, and #5 IBF. These excessive rankings have been given to him primarily based on wins over marginal opposition. Going from preventing Sosa and Teixeira to battling Vergil Ortz Jr. could be an enormous soar up in competitors.
Vergil Jr. (22-0, 21 KOs) wants an opponent for the Riyadh Season card on February twenty second. Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis selected to not take the battle with him. Based on Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, it was written within the contract the battle with Ortiz Jr. could be at 147, not 154. He says Boots needs to Unify the 147-lb division.
Ortiz Jr. can’t return to 147, a division he hasn’t fought at since 2022, after which cope with the IBF’s 10-lb rehydration restrict. He could be placing his well being in danger.
Is Zayas Prepared?
Prime Rank has been attempting to show the Puerto Rico-born Xayas right into a star in the identical manner they have been doing with New Yorker Edgar Berlanga. They’ve been matching Zayas in opposition to tomato cans to develop him, and he hasn’t proven a lot promise. It’s what you name ‘Faux growth’ that has been carried out with Xander.
He’s not prepared for a fighter like Vergil or any of the opposite killers at 154, and he might by no means be. He’s one other Berlanga sort when it comes to the best way he’s being matched. Prime Rank has made Zayas look higher than he truly is, and he nonetheless hasn’t appeared good. No energy, chinny, and timid. He’s the other of Miguel Cotto.
Vergil Jr’s Choices
– Bakhram Murtazaliev
– Israil Madrimov
– Serhii Bohachuk: the rematch
– Terence Crawford
– Errol Spence
– Charles Conwell
– Erickson Lubin
Any one among these abilities could be infinitely extra preferable than Zayas for Vergil Jr’s opponent for February twenty second. Spence is shot to items, however the ravaged automotive crash model of him is a a lot better choice for Vergil.
They gave me an hour to say sure. I mentioned sure in a single minute. @VergilOrtiz @trboxing @Turki_alalshikh @GoldenBoyBoxing https://t.co/cAoVZDSdLG
— Xander Zayas (@XanderZayas) November 30, 2024
