Boxing Match Preview: Xander Zayas (21-0-0, 13 KOs) vs. Jorge Garcia Perez (33-4-0, 26 KOs)

The Theater at Madison Square Garden sets the stage for a pivotal clash between undefeated Puerto Rican phenom Xander Zayas and battle-tested Mexican veteran Jorge Garcia Perez. With the vacant WBO super welterweight title on the line, this bout marks a defining moment in both fighters’ careers and could signal the rise of boxing’s next superstar.

Tale of the Tape

Xander Zayas – The Rising Star

Strengths:

Fast hands, sharp combinations, and elite footwork

Versatile offense with body-head variation

Excellent ring IQ and composure for his age

Recent Form:

TKO win over Slawa Spomer (Feb 2025)

UD wins over Damian Sosa and Patrick Teixeira

Style Notes:

Aggressive but calculated pressure fighter

Prefers mid-range exchanges and counters off the jab

Zayas has been groomed for this moment since signing with Top Rank at age 16. With a perfect record and growing fan base, he’s poised to become Puerto Rico’s next boxing icon. This is his eighth fight at MSG, and his fourth consecutive appearance there.

Jorge Garcia Perez – The Tough Veteran

Strengths:

Durable with a granite chin (never stopped)

Heavy hands and KO power (79% KO rate)

Experience against world-level opposition

Recent Form:

Split decision win over Charles Conwell (April 2025)

KO win over Roarke Knapp for the IBO title (2024)

Style Notes:

Basic but effective fundamentals

Relies on accumulation and timing over flash

Garcia Perez enters on an eight-fight win streak, including a massive upset over Conwell. He’s a grinder who sticks to the basics and capitalizes on opponents’ mistakes.

Key Matchup Dynamics

Youth vs. Experience: Zayas is 22 with 21 fights; Garcia is 28 with 37.

Speed vs. Power: Zayas has quicker hands; Garcia has heavier shots.

Defense vs. Pressure: Zayas uses angles and head movement; Garcia walks opponents down.