Zayas takes WBO title in historic boxing rivalry’s epic latest chapter

Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) is the new WBO light middleweight champion after defeating Jorge “Chino” García (33-5, 26 KOs) by unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. The judges scored the bout 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109 in favor of the Puerto Rican rising star, in a thrilling new chapter of the storied Puerto Rico vs Mexico boxing rivalry.

Who will Zayas fight next?

The 154-pound title had been vacant after Sebastián Fundora opted not to defend it against Zayas, the mandatory challenger, choosing instead to pursue a rematch with Tim Tszyu. Now, Zayas has his sights set on a unification bout with Tszyu for the WBC belt.

This victory marks Zayas’ eighth win at Madison Square Garden and makes him the fourth active Puerto Rican world champion, joining Óscar Collazo (WBO mini-flyweight), René Santiago (WBO light flyweight), and Subriel Matías (WBC light-welterweight).

Early fireworks, then total control

The fight started with both men testing each other’s range with jabs. García tried to intimidate Zayas with a left hook, but the Puerto Rican responded with a stiff jab to the face and a borderline low blow. García found some rhythm with double jabs and straight rights, but Zayas quickly adjusted.

In Round 2, Zayas began to take control, using clinches to neutralize García’s aggression and landing powerful combinations to the head. García opened Round 3 with a sharp uppercut, but his momentum faded as Zayas danced around the ring, landing clean jabs that frustrated the Mexican fighter.

By Round 4, García’s output slowed, and Zayas capitalized with a higher volume of punches, many landing cleanly despite García’s guard. In Round 5, García tried to rally with a big right hand, but his defense was increasingly porous, allowing Zayas to land fast, stinging combinations.

Zayas nearly scores a knockout

Round 6 was all Zayas. His right hand repeatedly pierced García’s defense, and a thunderous shot nearly dropped the Mexican, who stayed upright only thanks to the ropes. The crowd at MSG roared as Zayas pressed for the finish.

García’s supporters chanted “Chino, Chino” in Round 7, but Zayas silenced them with a barrage of left hands that left García struggling to stay on his feet. The eighth round followed the same pattern - Zayas landing at will, García missing with desperate uppercuts.

In Round 9, García tried to trade, but Zayas punished him with uppercuts that snapped his head back. By Round 10, Zayas was in full control, circling the ring and countering with precision.

Round 11 was briefly paused when Zayas slipped on a sweat-slicked canvas. After the restart, García went for broke, but Zayas stayed composed, landing sharp counters and maintaining a tight guard.

In the final round, García’s corner told him it was the most important round of his life. He charged forward, trying to close the distance, but Zayas landed a brutal left-hand combination that rocked García with just over a minute to go. The crowd rose to its feet as Zayas celebrated before the final bell, knowing he had done more than enough.

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