Did Xander Zayas Just Save The Day For Vergil Ortiz Jr.?

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 seem like 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 prime fighter at 154. He’s a finesse fighter from the Shakur mould 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 Achieved 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 challenge 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, it’s important to be skeptical.

Zayas isn’t a giant puncher and has appeared under 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 based mostly on wins over marginal opposition. Going from preventing Sosa and Teixeira to battling Vergil Ortz Jr. could 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 battle with him. In response to 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 take care of the IBF’s 10-lb rehydration restrict. He could be placing his well being in danger.

Is Zayas Prepared?

Prime Rank has been making an attempt to show the Puerto Rico-born Xayas right into a star in the identical means 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 ‘Pretend improvement’ that has been executed 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 kind when it comes to the way in which he’s being matched. Prime Rank has made Zayas look higher than he really 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 one in all 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