Xander Zayas Captures WBO Title in Dominant Win Over Jorge
New York, NY — On July 26, 2025, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) delivered a career-defining performance, defeating Jorge Garcia Perez (33-5, 26 KOs) via unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBO junior middleweight title. The bout headlined the final Top Rank card broadcast on ESPN, marking the end of an eight-year partnership and the beginning of a new era for boxing’s youngest world champion.
Zayas vs. Garcia: Puerto Rican Precision vs. Mexican Power
Zayas boxed masterfully for 12 rounds, using his jab, footwork, and head movement to neutralize Garcia’s aggression. Judges scored the bout 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109, all in favor of Zayas, who becomes the youngest current world champion in boxing.
“It was amazing to be here and to represent Puerto Rico at the highest level,” Zayas said post-fight. “I want Sebastian Fundora or Bakhram Murtazaliev next.”
Source: Forbes
Garcia, who came in riding momentum from his upset win over Charles Conwell, struggled to land clean shots and was visibly wobbled in Round 9 by a sharp one-two combination.
Co-Main Event: Bruce Carrington Wins Interim WBC Featherweight Title
Bruce Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) dominated Mateus Heita (14-1, 9 KOs) over 12 rounds to win the interim WBC featherweight title. Carrington’s jab, punch accuracy, and movement overwhelmed Heita, earning scores of 119-109 (twice) and 120-108.
“Carrington’s timing and punch selection were elite,” noted Sports Illustrated.
Emiliano Vargas Delivers Explosive KO
Emiliano Vargas (15–0, 13 KOs) needed just 42 seconds to stop Alexander Espinoza (20-4-1, 9 KOs) in the super lightweight opener. Vargas landed a clean right hook that dropped Espinoza instantly, continuing his streak of first-round finishes.
Full Fight Card Results
Main Card
- Xander Zayas def. Jorge Garcia Perez — UD (116-112, 118-110, 119-109)
- Bruce Carrington def. Mateus Heita — UD (119-109, 119-109, 120-108)
- Emiliano Vargas def. Alexander Espinoza — KO1 (0:42)
Prelims
- Rohan Polanco def. Quinton Randall — UD (100-90, 99-91, 97-93)
- Juanmita Lopez De Jesus def. Jorge Gonzalez-Sanchez — TKO2 (1:14)
- Yan Santana def. Aaron Alameda — UD (100-90 x3)
- Steven Navarro def. Cristopher Rios — UD (77-75 x3)
- Julius Ballo def. Brandan Ayala — UD (40-36 x3)
Source: FightMag
Final Thoughts
Undefeated and now a world champion, Xander Zayas has officially arrived. With a packed Puerto Rican crowd behind him and a flawless performance under the lights, Zayas is poised to become one of boxing’s next global superstars. The undercard delivered fireworks, and Top Rank’s final ESPN showcase ended with a coronation worthy of the moment.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
