Philippines, 16 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Xander Zayas: “This is the Most Important Fight of My Career!”

PhilBoxing.com




Zayas returns against fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer on Friday, Feb. 14 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden LIVE on ESPN

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2025) — WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas is knocking on the door of a world title opportunity, and a dominant showing could be the key to unlocking it.

The 22-year-old Puerto Rican phenom will lock horns with fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer in a 10-round showdown on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Spomer will be the co-feature to the WBO lightweight world title battle between reigning champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) and American challenger Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs).

New Jersey-born middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a 10-rounder against world-ranked contender Connor “The Kid” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).

Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 in 2019 and has become one of Puerto Rico’s most promising young stars. In 2024, he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira in June and decisioned Damian Sosa in September, solidifying his status as the WBO’s No. 1 contender. Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs), who tallied stoppage wins in 2023 versus Felice Moncelli and Milan Prat, returns after scoring a first-round TKO against Adam Ngange in November.

Following a recent training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is what Zayas said:

"I’ve watched clips of his fights. He’s undefeated and knows how to adjust. He’s a good boxer, but I feel superior in every aspect. He’s a warrior, but I am the better fighter overall."

“We’ve worked on everything. We’ve worked on defense, offense, countering, and using our angles. Based on my preparation and the kind of rhythm I'll have in the fight, he won’t be able to handle me. I'm also ready to go the full 10 rounds. So, whether it goes the distance or not, I know I’m leaving with the win.”

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m fighting someone who’s ranked and unbeaten, and the winner will likely get a world title shot this year. We’ve worked toward that goal for many years and are closer than ever. I’m highly focused on what I have to do, and I know I have to look spectacular.”

“For lots of people, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. For me, though, it’s a chance to showcase why I’m the best at 154 pounds and deserve a world title shot next. I’m ready to make a statement."




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • PIONEERING FILIPINO BOXERS TAKE SPOTLIGHT ON FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH (PART I)
    By Dong Secuya, , Thu, 16 Oct 2025
  • BOXING HALL OF FAME RELEASES FALL 2025 LETTER OF APPEAL SEEKING FUNDRAISING SUPPORT
    , Thu, 16 Oct 2025
  • Mendoza bags bronze
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 20: MUHAMMAD ALI VS. JOE FRAZIER III ON OCTOBER 1, 1975 AT THE ARANETA COLISEUM
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Thu, 16 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: History of Boxing in Reynosa, Tamaulipas
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Thu, 16 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS CONWAY AND LIDDARD GET SET FOR HUGE DOMESTIC CLASH
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Unbeaten Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes Set for Return on October 18 Against Derlyn Hernandez-Geraldo in Long Beach
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • JOEL “LETHAL” LEWIS RETURNS NOV 28TH THUNDERDOME 52 – METRO CITY PERTH
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
    , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • Nikita Tszyu Health Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 15 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
    , Tue, 14 Oct 2025
  • Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Naseem Hamed Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Kiddie Chess Tournament Goes to Farmers Plaza
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.