Xander Zayas says he’s stated “Sure” to a struggle towards 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 like he would ever be able to struggle a killer like Ortiz Jr, and it has nothing to do with age or expertise. Xander is lacking the spark to struggle at an A-level like Vergil or some other prime fighter at 154. He’s a finesse fighter from the Shakur mildew who strikes, holds, and does the minimal. That may be like a plate of meals for a shark like Vergil Ortiz.
What Zayas Lacks:
– Energy– Chin– Braveness– Expertise
Ortiz Jr. vs. Zayas: A Executed Deal?
Zayas, 22, doesn’t say whether or not his promoters at High Rank have agreed to him preventing WBC interim 154-lb champion Ortiz. Though there wouldn’t be a weight situation stopping a struggle between Zayas and Vergi, Xander’s age and lack of expertise could make High Rank hesitant to make that struggle. Till the promoters make it official, it’s important to be skeptical.
Zayas isn’t a giant puncher and has appeared beneath common in fights towards 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. can be an enormous bounce 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 struggle with him. In line with Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, it was written within the contract the struggle with Ortiz Jr. can 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 take care of the IBF’s 10-lb rehydration restrict. He can be placing his well being in danger.
Is Zayas Prepared?
High Rank has been attempting to show the Puerto Rico-born Xayas right into a star in the identical approach they had been doing with New Yorker Edgar Berlanga. They’ve been matching Zayas towards tomato cans to develop him, and he hasn’t proven a lot promise. It’s what you name ‘Pretend growth’ that has been achieved with Xander.
He’s not prepared for a fighter like Vergil or any of the opposite killers at 154, and he could by no means be. He’s one other Berlanga kind when it comes to the best way he’s being matched. High 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 alternative of Miguel Cotto.
Vergil Jr’s Choices
– Bakhram Murtazaliev– Israil Madrimov– Serhii Bohachuk: the rematch– Terence Crawford– Errol Spence– Charles Conwell– Erickson Lubin
Any certainly one of these skills can 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 stated sure in a single minute. @VergilOrtiz @trboxing @Turki_alalshikh @GoldenBoyBoxing https://t.co/cAoVZDSdLG
— Xander Zayas (@XanderZayas) November 30, 2024
