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
| Attribute | Xander Zayas | Jorge Garcia Perez |
| Age | 22 | 28 |
| Height | 5′10″ | 6′0″ |
| Reach | 74″ | — |
| Record | 21-0-0 (13 KOs) | 33-4-0 (26 KOs) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Pro Debut | 2019 | 2013 |
| Rounds Fought | 100 | 184 |
| WBO Ranking | #1 | #2 |
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.
FIGHT ODDS
Xander Zayas – 425
Jorge Garcia Perez + 340
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 25, 2025
