- 5 months ago
2025-07-26 Xander Zayas vs Jorge Garcia Perez
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00:00Barron's Top Rank Incorporated presents the featured bout of the evening brought to you by
00:05Miller Lite. Cheers to another round of Miller time and presented by the refreshing taste of
00:11twisted tea, hard ice tea, keep it twisted. This bout is sanctioned by the WBO, the president
00:18and the supervisor in attendance, Gustavo Olivieri, along with the New York State Athletic
00:24Commission. Executive director is Matt DeLaglio. Our judges at ringside, we have Tony Paolillo,
00:31Tom Shrek, and Robin Taylor, and our referee in charge is Eric Dolly. All right, fans, here we go
00:42with a classic Puerto Rico versus Mexico showdown, 12 rounds of boxing for the vacant WBO Junior
00:51Little Way Championship of the World. And now, ladies and gentlemen in attendance and boxing
00:58fans joining us around the world, live from the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden in
01:06New York City. It's time for the main event of the evening. Introducing to you first on my left,
01:23fighting out of the blue corner, presented in association with Zenfair Boxing and Golden Boy
01:30promotions, hindering the ring, wearing green trunks, inhaling from and representing his home
01:36of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. He weighed in at already 153 pounds. With a record of 33 wins and
01:47four losses, he has 26 big wins coming by way of knockout. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the
01:54battle-tested, battle-ready, hard-hitting, WBO number two, ranked junior, middleweight in the world.
02:01Introducing Jorge Gino Garcia!
02:12And his opponent across the ring, fighting out of the red corner.
02:17He weighed in right at the limit of 154 pounds. A former star of amateur boxing, he is undefeated in
02:37his campaign to the professional ranks. With a record of 21 wins, no losses, with 13 wins coming by way of
02:45knockout. Tonight, in his first attempt at a world title. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the young,
02:54undefeated, Puerto Rico boxing sensation, the WBO number one ranked junior middleweight in the world.
03:04Introducing, Xander Zayas!
03:09Once again, our referee in charge, Eric Dundee.
03:18Okay, gentlemen, you really know the rules. Let me remind you to keep it clean.
03:22Protect yourself at all times. I bear my command at all times.
03:24Go ahead. Go Bayley-Gottles here.
03:26Brandon, go Bayley-Gottles. Good luck. Touchdown.
03:30Joe Tessitore, Tim Bradley on the call.
03:32Bernardo Osuna, our ringside reporter.
03:34Mark Kriegel will be scoring at Timmy. Just listen to the crowd here in New York, because that Puerto Rico
03:40versus Mexico rivalry, it hits.
03:43Absolutely. Xander Zayas got to be who he is and has always been throughout his career tonight.
03:50We are underway for the vacant WBO junior middleweight world championship.
03:57That's what's going to get the job done tonight for Xander Zayas.
04:04He usually is the fast starter. Got quick hands. He let those combinations fly.
04:11He's been on a stretch of statistical superlatives since the beginning of December 22,
04:16outlanding his opponents in 50 consecutive rounds.
04:19So what you're seeing from Garcia right now, you're seeing a savvy veteran.
04:26Been in a game of an extremely long time. The left hook right there changed levels.
04:30He's looking for big shots at the moment.
04:32Well, he was right there with the right hand as he fell in.
04:35There's a good jab from Xander Zayas.
04:39And then level changes it right to the belt line.
04:43But you can see he's cunning. But you see how he gets himself in that position.
04:46He'll sit there and just wait on his opportunities.
04:49He won't get spooked by the offense coming from Xander.
04:53Xander's not a huge puncher.
04:56But he'll sneak in round shots like that around your guard as you're swinging.
05:01And he can catch Xander.
05:12Combination that left hand straight a little low.
05:16Eric Dolly is our referee.
05:18There wasn't a warning there to Xander Zayas.
05:21For Eric, it's his sixth world title fight that he has officiated.
05:26Another low right there from Xander.
05:36Oh!
05:38Big shot over the top.
05:40Over the top with the right hand.
05:41Again, just dunking his head down and swinging over the top.
05:46Xander, he likes to operate at mid-range because he's a counterpuncher.
05:49He likes to counter.
05:52So there's opportunities for Garcia to land shots like that.
05:55Especially if he doesn't pay attention to defense after his offense.
05:58Oh!
05:58Oh!
05:59Oh!
05:59Oh!
06:00Oh!
06:00Oh!
06:01Oh!
06:01Oh!
06:02Oh!
06:02Oh!
06:03Oh!
06:03Oh!
06:04Oh!
06:04Oh!
06:05Oh!
06:05Oh!
06:05Oh!
06:06Oh!
06:06Oh!
06:07Oh!
06:07Oh!
06:08Oh!
06:08Oh!
06:09Oh!
06:09That's one of the times I'm going to get in the direction, but then he comes and explodes
06:12with offense like that.
06:13Xander's going to have to just...
06:15He's going to have to anticipate that offense coming back at odd moments.
06:19Garcia sneaking.
06:2126 knockouts and 33 wins for Garcia.
06:23Very crafty in there, Tess.
06:26Ooh!
06:26Good body shot.
06:27Ooh!
06:27Good body shot.
06:29Ooh!
06:29Good.
06:30Okay.
06:31Ooh!
06:32Good competitive first round.
06:34And Xander's eyes was wide open.
06:36Tess.
06:37Wide open.
06:37No, no.
06:39He's seeing these shots coming.
06:42Good fink right there from Xander.
06:45Good opening round for the title.
06:47Oh, this is good.
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07:48Highly competitive first round we just watched between Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia.
07:55I want to go back to the right hand, Timmy, that Garcia landed.
07:59Yeah, this is the awkwardness I'm talking about.
08:01Look, he's shelling up.
08:02He drops levels right there and right over the top as Xander is getting ready to deploy
08:06a left hook.
08:07Perfectly timed.
08:09Look, Xander came in this fight.
08:10He was warmed up.
08:11I saw some sweat on his back before the fight even got started.
08:14That's a good thing because a shot like that, if he would have came out cold, he probably
08:18would have got knocked out.
08:19Xander throwing that left hook as he was packing up and able to land it moments ago.
08:24You know, Mark Riegel made the point that Garcia needs to fight like he's from Los Moches in
08:29this time of fight.
08:29Remember, that's the hometown of the former three-division world champion, Fernando Montiel.
08:33Jorge Arce was from there.
08:35Two-division world champion Humberto Soto was from there.
08:39And it just seems like based on the pace and energy, we're going to have that fiery, gritty kind
08:45of night between these two.
08:47The great rivalry, of course, in the game.
09:09Yeah, for Garcia, it's about disrupting the technical abilities of Xander's eyes, okay?
09:14Being off rhythm, off tempo, off beat, attacking him when he least expected.
09:17Moments like that.
09:20Xander did a good job at recognizing that attack, and he stepped in and smothered and tied up.
09:27And there he is, showing it, firing off that jab, and then the right hand to the body.
09:34Yes.
09:35And that jab again.
09:36Right there from Xander's eyes.
09:47Oh, nice change-up.
09:48Good surprise right there from Garcia.
09:50A jab, and then just sweeping around with the left hook.
09:55You can see just a little bit of redness.
09:57Oh, what a shot.
09:58On the left side of the face of Garcia, right where that right hand was landed by Zayas.
10:03Oh, and he does it again with the left hand, does Garcia.
10:07It's another good action-packed round here.
10:10Oh, we're going to be in the fight, man.
10:11I'm serious.
10:12If this gets to the later rounds, Tess is going to be very interesting.
10:17Battle of attrition, I'm talking about.
10:18Oh, we're going to be in the fight.
10:37And you hear the roar from the Puerto Rican New York fans.
10:41And the defensive prowess right there from Xander's eyes.
10:44Beautiful work this round.
10:46Love this in.
10:47Oh, we got a good one here tonight.
10:49End of two.
10:52Good round right there from Zander's eye.
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11:53Great crowd packing Madison Square Garden Theater as Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia six minutes in.
12:05And it's already roaring here.
12:06Let's go back to round number two.
12:08His right hand comes in from Garcia with the work from Zayas.
12:11Yeah.
12:11Fish always take the bait, but he forgets about the hook and the right hand right there.
12:17Xander Zayas coming around that guard.
12:19As you see Garcia loading up the shots, leaving them some wide open.
12:24Man, intensity right from the start of round number three as well.
12:28Because Garcia don't like the way the momentum is carrying in Xander's favor right now.
12:33He don't like that.
12:34So he's trying to get some good back.
12:35Beautiful right hand right there from Garcia.
12:38Bernardo, what were they saying in Zayas' corner?
12:41Javier Sempeo wants Xander to stay on the jab because that's the range he can be best at.
12:47And he says not all the punches have to be hard.
12:50And he wants him to frustrate him with his feet.
12:52Yes.
12:53Centeno, the longtime trainer of Xander Zayas.
12:56Remember the back story between these two.
12:59Xander Zayas, who moved from San Juan to South Florida when he was a boy at 11 years old,
13:05went into the gym of Javier.
13:08They've been together ever since, so the architects can now see the building come to fruition
13:14as a world champion, possibly tonight at 22 years old.
13:18Garcia may very well lose these early rounds.
13:21However, late, that's when he comes on.
13:23When he starts to feel you start to tire, get a little bit fatigued,
13:27that's when he comes on strong.
13:28And things can get real interesting on the back end of this fight test.
13:34Promise you.
13:43Target practice right now for Xander Zayas.
13:45He's picking and choosing when to let his combinations go.
13:49Particularly the left hook.
13:50Left hook happy.
13:51Garcia has a left hook as well.
13:53Good technical ability stuff right there.
13:59Just have a control right there of Garcia with the lead hand, using the jab,
14:04and also using it as a physical control to control Garcia.
14:09Not allowing him to get close.
14:15Oh, yeah.
14:17Garcia don't have good feet.
14:19Xander understands it now.
14:20And you're seeing the speed and the footwork of Zayas as well.
14:24Getting out of, getting in and out.
14:25Getting out of harm's way.
14:27As you can see, Garcia trying to chase it down.
14:29Did Linn a left hand to the body in that mix,
14:32but Zayas right back to the center of the ring.
14:36Awkward approach by Garcia.
14:38It has been a Xander Zayas round to this point.
14:44Xander Raza, but at this point, he on fire, Tess.
14:47He fired on all cylinders right now.
14:49Good exit.
14:58And thrilled to tell you that we are commercial free from this point forward
15:03for the remainder of this championship bout.
15:08The jabs of Xander Zayas.
15:11Timmy, take us through.
15:12Oh, yeah.
15:13It's just rough timing as well.
15:15You know, Xander Zayas getting off to a quick start.
15:17And right there, he got to stay on that jab all night long.
15:22That's keeping Garcia at bay.
15:23That's popping that head up.
15:25And that's going to set up power shots for him down the line.
15:28And this is the defensive prowess right here from Xander Zayas.
15:41This is what I mean.
15:42Firing on all cylinders.
15:43Stand close.
15:45Stand to that lead shoulder right there, or the back shoulder.
15:47Exiting right.
15:48Getting underneath all those punches.
15:50Nothing landed in that sequence right there.
15:52At all.
15:53Good work for Xander Zayas.
16:00And as he continues to do that, guess what?
16:02He's going to wear down Garcia, wear him down even more.
16:06Takes a lot of energy out of a fighter when he misses a punch.
16:10Remember, this is Xander Zayas' first 12-round fight.
16:13Of course, his first chance at a major world title.
16:16And in the corner of Xander Zayas moments ago, Javier Cetano reminded him,
16:21we don't have to accomplish everything right now.
16:24So they're trying to get him in his head to manage and be judicious and think about this
16:29being a very veteran, tough opponent who's going to be there every step of the way.
16:35Bernardo.
16:37I just spoke with Pedro Montel and he told me,
16:40what I want out of Jorge Garcia is to get on the inside.
16:44And once Xander starts clinching, I need him to throw shots over his hands
16:48because that'll get him to stop clinching.
16:50First, he's got to get to the inside.
16:55Xander's not allowing that.
16:57You see Xander right now, he's just dictating the range right now
17:00where the fight was with me fault.
17:01And it's outside right now.
17:03And any time he steps in and lunges forward, Garcia,
17:06he gets clipped with a left hook.
17:08And the position change, and then Xander's right back where he wants to be.
17:13It's easy work right now for Xander.
17:15And you see it, that range, working behind that jab,
17:18you saw the lead long right-hand moments ago.
17:21But why get into that kitchen if you don't need to
17:24and you're winning the fight, staying at range?
17:33Good shot.
17:34Good angles right there for Xander.
17:36Yeah, that great angle to the left
17:38and then centered himself to go down the alley with the right hand.
17:41But I like the pace of what Xander is fighting
17:43because, you know, he can sit back and just wait and counterpunch,
17:48but he's creating as well.
17:49And he's taking advantage of small little moments
17:51where he sees Garcia not set to punch.
17:55Smart, smart from Xander's eyes.
18:01See, like, right now, he's sitting up.
18:03He's trying to lure him in.
18:04And Xander right there just using that lead hand.
18:06Closest thing to him.
18:07And a nice tie-up again.
18:21Stopping the momentum of Garcia.
18:23Right now, Garcia, what he needs to do
18:25is he needs to just focus on that body.
18:26I understand what his trainer is saying,
18:29but he needs to come behind a strong jab,
18:32close that distance, and start banging to the body.
18:34Good hook.
18:41Lead hook.
18:45Lacey falling in, though, afterwards with the right hand.
18:47Final moments here of round number four.
18:52Those are right hands by Xander.
18:55There we go.
18:56And then he backs him up to the ropes.
18:59As the fans here rise up at MSG.
19:03Hey!
19:03Time!
19:13Give it to him!
19:20Look, those jabs to that arm is perfect, right?
19:27Every once in a while, change that jab to that right hand and throw that left hook at the top, okay?
19:32So right hand to that shoulder, right hand to that bicep, come over.
19:43Blocked right there from Garcia.
19:48Might look like he was doing work.
19:50All that stuff blocked by Garcia.
19:53In that case, it's one of those scenarios where you're punching through the opponent's glove.
19:57In a way, when you see the head snap by Garcia.
20:00And that means the effectiveness of that punch.
20:04Yes, the judges are looking at that, too.
20:08Remembering that Bivol better be a fight.
20:13Through four rounds complete.
20:15That gives us the opportunity to check in with Mark Riegel, who's scoring it.
20:21Four rounds, nothing, 40-36.
20:24Dan Rosario's most important punch in box.
20:27And Xander's been beautiful tonight.
20:31He told me Garcia would bring out his best self.
20:34To this point, he has.
20:36He's thrown nearly 100 jabs.
20:38He's landed 28 of them.
20:43Stop!
20:44Stop!
20:45Let him out, let him out, let him out.
20:46Garcia can't get into stride at all.
20:52He can't find his rhythm or timing of Xander.
20:55And he can't find his timing of his own, either.
20:58Oh, he hurt.
20:59He got buzzed at that shot momentarily.
21:01You know, his face never changes, so you can never tell.
21:04Right.
21:04But right there, he just, no movement with his backhand.
21:07I didn't really like that movement.
21:08It's like something hurt.
21:09From Garcia.
21:12From Garcia.
21:21So when you can't land on your opposition test, it's hard to get in some sort of rhythm.
21:26You know, in consistency, which will work.
21:31And you see Xander is in full flair.
21:33He's in rhythm.
21:34He's in stride.
21:35He knows exactly every movement that he's making is perfect at the moment.
21:40So focused and dialed in tonight.
21:48Mmm.
21:48Starting to see the puffiness now, the building around the eyes of Garcia.
22:01Stop!
22:03Easy, let him out.
22:04Good job.
22:11Two punch combinations.
22:12That right hand went straight down the middle.
22:15He hurt him with that right hand to the body, too.
22:17Stop!
22:17Oh, yeah.
22:18Oh, let's go.
22:20Momentarily paralyzing for a second.
22:22Right in the solar plexus, the right hand.
22:25Oh, big right hand from Garcia.
22:27Big right hand from Garcia.
22:29He needs to string more of that together.
22:31Zayas returns fire immediately.
22:34Now center of the ring.
22:37The body is the key for Zayas.
22:39I'm telling you right now, Zayas needs to focus on that body.
22:43He focused on that body.
22:44I think he can make Garcia quit.
22:45Those punches ain't snapping like they were earlier on.
22:54No, they are not.
22:54That energy level has dropped.
22:56No, he's fat.
22:57He's falling in with them.
22:57He is clearly impacted by the work that Zayas has been doing.
23:04I see how this level changing right here, beautiful level changing feint right there from Xander's eye.
23:16It's the combinations we talked about gave him that level change right there, gave him some bait.
23:31He took the bait and he came up with the combinations here to right hand as Xander pulling back, looking for that same punch, that left hook as he's pulling straight back, lined up perfectly for the right hand of Garcia.
23:48We need more of that from Garcia if he's going to get himself back into this fight.
23:52We need more of that from Garcia if he's going to get himself back into this fight.
23:55Six rounds for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship.
24:18Threw five Xander's eyes with an 85 to 47 connect advantage.
24:23Timmy, you've keyed in on the body attack of Zayas saying that is the key.
24:27He has landed 33 body punches.
24:30A little slip on the side is right there from Xander.
24:35Oh, another right hand.
24:39Xander moving out in straight lines, getting clipped with that right hand.
24:42Big right hand right there from Xander.
24:47They traded right hands.
24:49Bernardo's been listening into the corner of Xander's eyes.
24:51What can you tell us?
24:52Javier Centeno says, I want him to keep touching the body.
24:56Don't hook with him.
24:57Keep your shots straight.
24:58And when he throws that hook, go underneath it.
25:07Good defense right here from Xander using his reflexes, using those eyes.
25:11A lot of times it's all about just positioning, right, your eyes.
25:16And seeing those shots constantly every single day in the gym.
25:20You know, so you're anticipating it.
25:22It's not like you're thinking when you see it.
25:24No, it's just your movements and your rhythm is second nature.
25:27Exactly.
25:28Making those shots.
25:29Miss.
25:30Again from range, the right hand comes in.
25:32Then he digs with the left hand to the body.
25:34Oh, big right hand right there.
25:36And Garcia comes on the attack on the inside.
25:39Stop, stop, stop, stop.
25:41Eric Daly encouraging them to work on the inside.
25:44Now some separation.
25:46There's a right hand that came straight in from Zayas.
25:51Boy, Garcia's awkward at this moment.
25:53He's awkward.
25:54He's swinging.
25:55He's trying to win, Tess, by any means.
25:58I love the effort, Tess.
26:05Oh.
26:07Stop!
26:08Let him out, please.
26:09Let him out.
26:10And I'll tell you this, Tess, this fight is far from being over.
26:11Oh, no doubt.
26:12This is just a six-round.
26:13Garcia is a 12-round fighter.
26:15He has experience.
26:17And, again, if he can get some momentum going in his favor, man,
26:21and he starts going downhill,
26:23he'll have to start having more success.
26:25Remember, he's coming off a 12-round split decision win
26:28against the previously undefeated U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell.
26:31Oh, they traded hooks right there.
26:33And he's reflecting on that a good bit, saying,
26:35nobody thought I was going to win that fight.
26:37Mmm.
26:38And, obviously, in a spot like this,
26:40coming off that win a little more evenly contested.
26:44Big right hand from Zayas.
26:45Best punch he's landed so far tonight
26:48that sends Garcia off balance.
26:50By instinct, Garcia comes back fighting off the ropes.
26:53Let's go, let's go, let's go!
26:54Holding out to that right hand for a moment.
26:56Test these men right now are learning on the job,
26:58learning how to win the championship.
27:00You see the heart, the determination.
27:02This is what I'm talking about right here.
27:04They want to win this fight, both of them.
27:07They put it all on their line for us tonight.
27:11Time!
27:21Don't get caught up leaning in, okay?
27:23So we have reached the halfway mark
27:25of our world title fight
27:27as Timmy, take us through
27:29what has stood out to you so far.
27:31Oh, yeah, it's been all Zayas.
27:32Again, controlling range on the outside.
27:33Being slippery with his defense.
27:36Getting active with his jab.
27:38Going downstairs, attacking the body.
27:40Yes, he took some on the chin, but that's alright.
27:42He came back with his own.
27:44You know, coming again off that jab.
27:46It's all basic fundamentals.
27:47Again, that's what gets you to the elite level.
27:50You gotta master those fundamentals.
27:52And as you can see, Garcia, he didn't do that.
27:55At all.
27:56So he's lunging, reaching, you know, throwing wide with shots.
28:01And that's allowing Xander Zayas to pinpoint shots like that on the ear.
28:05Sending him towards the ropes.
28:08Lifting him up off the canvas with that.
28:16Him and get himself back going in this fight.
28:19But man, I can't wait to this.
28:21Man, this second half is gonna be something, even something.
28:24Even more, people.
28:2644% of his power punches have landed.
28:29The biggest coming in that last round.
28:31That right hand flushed to the side.
28:32He had right to the ear that sent him into the ropes.
28:34The corner of Xander Zayas has important to fight his fight.
28:39To find his flow.
28:40To not fall into the form of Garcia.
28:43So far, that has been the case for Xander Zayas.
28:47Looking good so far halfway through.
28:49His first major world title opportunity.
28:53Just 22 years old.
28:57I don't know what the fans is booing for.
28:59Not sure what they booing about, but I do that.
29:01Ain't nothing to boo here.
29:04It's been a fast paced fight.
29:09Meanwhile, Bernardo has reported in the corner of Garcia.
29:11They want to see more combinations thrown.
29:14Not just one punch at a time.
29:16To throw combinations against Zayas.
29:18You got to punch with Zayas.
29:21You got to punch with him.
29:22And he got to, again, he got to tighten up those hooks.
29:24He's coming out a bit too wide.
29:26Keep those shots straight.
29:28And he'll be able to land against Zayas.
29:30Don't do that with y'all. Don't do that.
29:39Yeah, they got to get a towel in there and wipe that.
29:41Oh, check that ring.
29:42Yeah, that was a check hook.
29:44Check hook was successful from Zayas.
29:47There he is again.
29:49Again, right back to him and doubles up the jab.
29:53What were you saying about the towel, Timmy?
29:55Yeah, the referee got to bring a towel in and wipe that, wipe the center of the ring.
29:59They're both slipping and slipping sliding right now.
30:02He did that in the last round.
30:04They have to do it again.
30:05Oh, yeah.
30:08Oh, two punch combination from Zayas.
30:11Oh, you see the reaction right there?
30:13Absolutely.
30:14That was something different.
30:15I know he's trying to sell that, but he was buzzed momentarily right there.
30:18Stop!
30:26Reminder, SportsCenter is coming your way at the conclusion of our World Championship.
30:30Another two punch combination from Zayas.
30:32Let him out.
30:33Let him out.
30:34Let him out.
30:35Let him out.
30:36Let him out.
30:37Let him out.
30:39Yeah, Zander looking good.
30:41He looking sweet right now.
30:42Absolutely.
30:43He has the right opponent in front of him.
30:45Again, I said it doesn't get any better than this.
30:47His last three opponents have been guys that have come forward, and he's been able to tame them, and he's doing the same thing tonight against Garcia.
31:00Let him out clean.
31:01Let him out clean.
31:03Saw him in his last fight back on Valentine's Day against Slavos Spomer, who was trained by Roy Jones Jr., by the way, and was undefeated when he won by ninth round two.
31:16And my ninth round TKO.
31:19Turn!
31:25Beautiful.
31:26Look.
31:28When you don't need to work, I want those people.
31:31That's it.
31:32Okay?
31:33Look, he's gonna fall short on some of those.
31:35Every once in a while, I want you explosively holding on.
31:38Right?
31:39Give him that two up two we work on all the time, right?
31:41But come off from the right side.
31:43Hey, don't look for the left side.
31:44You can always throw that up.
31:45Dominating round in the seventh round by Xander Zayas.
31:48The 29 connect advantage.
31:49Here's that check hook, Timmy.
31:50Oh, yeah.
31:51That was an outside slip counter right there.
31:53Yep.
31:54Just slipped outside that right hand.
31:56There it is.
31:57Again.
31:58Now that right there was a nice little slip.
32:01Outside.
32:02Combination.
32:03Left hook.
32:04Right hand.
32:05Again, just taking advantage of those.
32:06Again, the defense.
32:07The defense of Garcia.
32:09You gotta have great defense in this sport.
32:11Or you'll get hit with shots like that over and over and over.
32:15Especially against someone that has technical ability like Xander Zayas.
32:21Xander's a technician.
32:22That's what he is.
32:23He said all week long, we really believe in what we will be able to do in this fight.
32:32And our ability to execute.
32:34Round number eight.
32:39Good angle that he gets to open up this eighth round.
32:47Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.
32:57Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
32:58Xander's not allowing him to work at all.
32:59Watch your head.
33:00Watch your head.
33:01Watch your head.
33:02So Xander's moving, getting away, avoiding all those shots.
33:05And then once Garcia gets close, he just ties him up.
33:09Just before this main event, we listened into a conversation that Xander Zayas had sitting across
33:14with Mark Regal and he discussed how he thought it had a distinct advantage when it came to
33:19who could move better in this fight.
33:21That has absolutely showed up.
33:23Absolutely.
33:24Athleticism.
33:25That's a big part of boxing as well.
33:28And also talent, Tess.
33:29Talent.
33:35But again, Xander got to continue to do this over and over and over each round.
33:40Because Garcia's not going to stop trying.
33:43Stop.
33:46And it can be one punch, Tess, that can just uplift his spirit.
33:49Gives him a lot of energy.
33:50And, you know, and he starts pouring it on even more.
33:53And he starts to believe that he can win this fight.
33:56But as of right now, Xander right now, he's tamed him.
34:00He don't believe right now he can win.
34:03Stop.
34:04There it is.
34:05The straightest right hand he threw all night at a glance.
34:19It's not something.
34:20It's not something.
34:21It's not something.
34:22And it was off the jab, Tess.
34:25Fundamentals are simple.
34:26But they work.
34:27Straight is great.
34:28Yeah, absolutely.
34:29And now putting punches together the way his corner wanted him to.
34:32He finally was able to cut off that angle and meet Xander.
34:35He got met by right hand.
34:36Let's go!
34:37Keep punching!
34:38Let's go!
34:39Keep punching!
34:40Let's go!
34:41Keep punching!
34:42Let's go!
34:43Keep punching!
34:44Let's go!
34:45Let's go!
34:46Keep punching!
34:47Let's go!
34:48And now putting punches together the way his corner wanted him to.
34:50Hmm and now putting punches together the way his corner wanted him to
34:56He finally was able to cut off that angle and meet Xander. I got met by right hands
35:06Zayas just stopped and planted that right foot for a moment and let it go check hook
35:13Garcia on the attack that left hook came in and Zayas was framed up against the ropes
35:20So a moment of hope in round number eight for Jorge Garcia
35:34Now there's the guy Emiliano Fernando Vargas who wowed us all
35:39Earlier tonight. He had the punch of the night a first-round knockout against 20-win veteran alexander Espinosa
35:49Emiliano Fernando Vargas is now 15 to know with 13 knockouts
35:56There is Amanda Serrano
35:59Talk about somebody who can put on a show and has done so right here in New York
36:05Camp is in the building
36:07Abdulla Mason by many accounts is the best young prospects in the sport 19-0 17 knockouts Timmy you have been hyping him
36:24He is a legend years and he has delivered. Yes and more
36:29Electric and he's getting a shot at the world championship
36:33Gives a savvy veteran
36:35Time and he's gonna have his opportunity at a world championship a lot sooner than he expected and listen there
36:43Nothing could come soon enough for a double Mason. He is that good
36:47All right, Mark Kriegel how do you have this I?
36:52Have it seven rounds to one 79 73 I gave Garcia the last round both guys fighting with great desire the differences in the guy's
37:01Has technique it well for most of this fight. He stood right in front of Garcia not just made a miss but make him with I
37:09Agree with that last rap for Garcia being his best by far
37:12He landed 13 power connects compared to Zayas is 11 size of course was game incapable, but by far Garcia's best moments of the fight
37:21round number not
37:23Sebastian Fundoro had this WBO junior middleweight world championship had a vacated with a dream match with Tim zoo things were lined up for Zayas
37:34Garcia came up with a huge win in his last fight science was in position
37:38So now the vacant title up for grabs and to be decided here in these final four rounds
37:45I see is doing his best to punch with Xander, but again, it's his foot placement and footwork is terrible
37:55He's all over the place
37:56He's all over the places sleep what's in front lead puts all the sudden in back. He's squared up at times hands are low at times
38:03In Xander just quicker on the trigger
38:08And he's catching a mile out of position to
38:10Squared up a lot looking running with shots right here. Yes, my goodness
38:28So now now Garcia now he sees slow he's taking off the power now now he's trying to use hand speed
38:34He's trying to see if that's gonna work against Xander. He just wants to touch him try to pile on points
38:40Again Xander being that matter door getting out of getting out of range real quickly stepping back in range tying up
38:48He's doing everything right
38:50And I think one of the most craziest things test is is that
38:54It looks easy. Not only does it look easy, but I don't even see Xander really breathing hard at all
39:00Seemingly not
39:03And usually about this times fatigue starts to set in
39:10Okay
39:12Let's go
39:18Oh Garcia on the inside able to land there, you know, listen good things are gonna happen if you're willing to throw your hands
39:23That was the case with that four punch combination
39:26Yes, you're going to
39:28Oh
39:30Oh
39:32Oh
39:34Oh
39:36Oh
39:38Oh
39:40Oh
39:42Oh
39:44Oh
39:46Oh
39:48Oh
39:50Oh
39:52Oh
39:54Oh
39:56Oh
39:58Oh
40:04Oh
40:05He can, he's bending down low.
40:08Perfectly timed uppercut right there as Xander,
40:12again, dropping that opposite hand, dropped his lead hand.
40:14He was looking for an uppercut himself,
40:16trying to catch Garcia on his way in as he leaned forward.
40:28You woke up, finally.
40:29I know this pace.
40:31He's got nothing for you.
40:33This pace is good for you.
40:35I'm coming, I'm in.
40:40See, they were lifting the arms,
40:41trying to get some air into the chest.
40:43Yep.
40:43Lungs of Jorge Garcia as we've reached round number 10.
40:47What an opportunity for these men.
40:50As Garcia, we told you he landed 13 power punches
40:53in the eighth round,
40:53he landed 12 power punches in the ninth round.
40:58Xander's numbers haven't really fallen off.
41:00You see the power punches the last round
41:01that we just mentioned.
41:03body punches of 53 to 26 connect advantage for Zayas.
41:10And the reason why I know that Xander is not, not fatigued is,
41:13is that he's still sharp.
41:14It's the 10th round.
41:16He's still moving around like it's the first round.
41:18You know, he's still able to anticipate offense coming.
41:21He's still with, you know, has great defense and elusiveness to go along with.
41:25His punches are still sharp.
41:28That's how you know.
41:29Yep, look at the legs.
41:32When he starts to get fatigued in the punches, the technique starts to go by the wayside,
41:38you know.
41:40He throws a jab, it's not as sharp.
41:43Left hooks becomes a little bit more wide.
41:45Right hand becomes a little bit more wide and slower.
41:49When you look at those punches thrown by rounds, just also keep in mind that Garcia's only
41:56landing 21% against the defense of Xander Zayas.
41:59Xander Zayas is landing 44% of his power punches.
42:03Xander is not trying not to allow Garcia to get in this fight right now.
42:18That's why he's using his legs and get out of range.
42:20He's trying not to let him get going.
42:22He understands that if he starts to go downhill and gain confidence, it could be problems for
42:26him in the next few rounds.
42:29So he's been a matador at this moment.
42:33And I would advise Xander, okay, because I see this all the time in football, I would
42:37advise him when they go in that prevent defense, right, hey, keep doing what you was doing.
42:44Use that jab, establish your jab, establish control, run him in the shots.
42:49Don't just move and allow him to build more confidence moving forward thinking that you're
42:53getting tired.
42:54And I would think Xander and his camp do have great reason to believe that they're in control
42:59of the scorecards up until we got to that eighth round.
43:02So I'll mark briefly of the eighth round to Garcia.
43:05That's justified as would be giving him some credit for what he did in round number nine.
43:11But prior to that, it was all Zayas.
43:12Absolutely.
43:13And I always say you're a lot safer when you're closer to the opposition because you can tie
43:18them up like that and not allow them to work.
43:24Xander's getting away from his jab.
43:31He needs to get back on that jab.
43:40Time!
43:41Well, every time we talk about Xander Zayas, we always frame it through him being a prodigy,
43:48a guy who signed a pro contract at 16.
43:51These are the youngest active world champions right now.
43:55If you get stuck inside, get that head to the outside, grab him, turn him, walk him to the
44:00ropes.
44:01Don't sit there with him.
44:02Okay?
44:03His only opportunity is on the inside.
44:06That's his only opportunity.
44:08That's not giving to him.
44:10Okay?
44:11So you see that list of champions from 24 years old to 25 years old.
44:18Xander's 22.
44:19So if he wins tonight, he tops that list as the youngest active world champion in boxing.
44:28Okay?
44:29Don't let him hold onto you.
44:32Use that right hand.
44:35Yeah, they'll hold the arms up like that, just trying to get more air into the lungs,
44:39trying to expand that chest.
44:40They've been doing that since after the third round.
44:42Absolutely.
44:43Warning from Xander's Isis' corner as well as to be careful trading on the inside and
44:52to just be hyper aware as we're under six minutes to go to decide who is the WBO world champion,
45:02154 pounds.
45:03And keep in mind this also the first 12 round fight for Xander's Isis.
45:08It don't look like it.
45:09Nope.
45:10It don't look like it.
45:11Mm.
45:12Counter right hand.
45:13Stop!
45:14Stop!
45:15Stop!
45:16See, and that's what I mean by you're safer inside because if you go outside and you allow
45:25Garcia to get momentum coming forward and he starts to build confidence in thinking that,
45:30again, you're fading.
45:31Oh, he's fading.
45:32He doesn't want to punch.
45:33He doesn't want to punch.
45:34Then it becomes a problem.
45:36But you stop him like that with that offense, right?
45:38And then when he gets close, you step in and you tie him up.
45:41Stop all of that.
45:42What do you thought he was going to do?
45:43Stop holding.
45:44Stop holding.
45:45Stop holding.
45:46Oh, you got the first warning right there from the ref.
45:51Time!
45:52Time!
45:53Time!
45:54Over there.
45:55Second warning.
45:56I know.
45:57I know.
45:58Give me the towel.
45:59Give me the towel.
46:00Okay.
46:01They're going to wipe up the center of the rim.
46:07Absolutely.
46:08You were saying that this needed to be done a few rounds ago.
46:10Yes.
46:11Good job.
46:12Great job.
46:13You know, the sweat and the water they put on the head to revive the fighter in the corner,
46:18you know, it starts dripping down on the trunks and then become full of water and they just drip off at the bottom right there.
46:24You see, especially from Garcia, his trunks are full of water.
46:31Mmm.
46:32For that counter right hand again.
46:34Two more centers coming up after our world championship fight, as well as the state of boxing on the ESPN app.
46:41That is where we will give you all the post fight analysis and interviews and backstage access with both fighters and really unprecedented access every time on the state of boxing.
46:55So we hope you enjoy that on the ESPN app.
46:58Our post fight show will be there.
47:02One more time.
47:03One more time.
47:04One more time.
47:05One more few moves from Daniel Espersons.
47:07Stop it.
47:09Keep going.
47:10Keep working.
47:14Keep going.
47:15Going, go.
47:17Keep moving.
47:18Keep moving, go.
47:20Time, go, go.
47:21Team!
47:22Now plan, go, go.
47:23Go, go.
47:24Time, go, go.
47:26ìš°'ll, go, go, go, go, go, go!
47:27Go!
47:28Go, go, go!
47:29Go, go, go!
47:30Go, go, go!
47:31out the way can use your feet he's done that well can move your head he's done that well
47:39and can block punches
47:40yeah it's there for the taking i look i think garcia's prime he's ready i think he's ready
47:53to go yes he's tough he's doable but i think he's ready to go i think xander he start wrapping
47:58it up that offense a little bit cause some concern as well he has that ability but right
48:04now he's comfortable with just winning a fight easily and go home with that belt three punch
48:10combination from zayas brings about a response from garcia and we are three minutes away from
48:17crowning a world champion let's listen in
48:20so when you throw that right hand up with that you're frustrating the shit out of him
48:26right last round we touched the glove you're frustrating the shit out of him what i want
48:30is that next right hand right behind you you're going bang bang i want that next right hand
48:34and then i want you to get to the right let's stab downstairs and then come over the top
48:38i need you to throw a lot of combinations here this is a round of your life
48:54all the years of hard work the days of sparring
49:24the pro fights to work yourself into position and it comes down to this three minutes 12th and
49:32final round who will be a world champion xander zayas has dreamed of this moment he said the dream
49:41is to do it here at msg the place that feels like home his eighth time fighting here on property
49:48his fourth straight time in the intimate theater that is passion filled with his puerto rican supporters
49:57when listen to them
50:05what does garcia need to do here timmy sell out just let those punches fly test that's it let
50:19them fly aim at the body aim at the chest hit the arms hit anywhere just let them go
50:28go for it go for it and at least you can say hey i lost but i gave it everything i damn had
50:37in my body
50:38zayas had a nice short right hand at the end of the last exchange
50:42stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop
50:45stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop stop
51:15Having a hard time locating Xander. He just wants to get after him. He wants to land something hard
51:21Look at that clock
51:22We're under a minute to go and Xander Zayas gets to this finish line safely as he appears that he can
51:28There's gonna be a heck of a celebration most likely here in New York
51:32It's gonna be one of the greatest moments in Xander Zayas life. We're gonna have the youngest
51:38Active champion in boxing in the world at just 22 years old
51:43The young man born in San Juan, Puerto Rico
51:47Went to high school in South Florida where he trained
51:50He has spent half of his life with his trainer. How they El Centeno
51:55He has said the dream has to come true tonight right here and perhaps he's 20 seconds away from realizing that
52:09In test there's no
52:11Championship better than the first one you win test. I promise you that no greater feeling
52:29Trainer and fighter
52:31We're gonna take a short break
52:39When we come back
52:41We will hear from the judges and determine the WBO junior middleweight world title
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53:48On a design studio when a really big design contract
53:59Realize you're more of a creative type than a finance type
54:03Realize you got this use QuickBooks to get your cash flow flowing
54:09Get live expert assistance to maximize your tax savings
54:12Get back to doing what you love
54:17Manage and grow your business all in one place into it QuickBooks your way to money
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54:37I'd do anything
54:39What are you doing?
54:41Putting magic fairy dust on Murphy and Buzz so we can play together forever
54:44Aww
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54:52Check out Hill Science Diet. It's formulated for long, healthier lives
54:56And get it delivered with AutoShip so it never runs out
54:59It just appears at your door like magic without the glitter
55:02Without the glitter
55:03Thank you
55:04Anything for you
55:05PetSmart
55:06Anything for pets
55:07We will face this together as a family
55:11It has to be us
55:16Let's go
55:17Marvel Studios The Fantastic Four
55:19See the biggest movie of the summer in IMAX
55:21Now playing rated PG-13
55:23Jim Abbott defied the laws of Major League Baseball
55:27Jim Abbott to every young kid in New York should be a hero
55:33Sometimes things happen that nobody sees coming
55:38And that's the beauty of sport
55:40He did it! He did it! No hitter for Jim Abbott
55:44The world doesn't have to dictate what is possible for you
55:48It's not possible for you
55:55Grab, grab, grab, grab
55:58Thanks to you
55:59You're a warrior
56:01You're the standard of this game
56:02You deserve this fight
56:03And that was good for me
56:04To be here with me
56:05Thank you
56:06Thank you
56:08You're a warrior
56:09You're a warrior
56:11You're a warrior
56:13You're going to be a nightmare
56:14You're the last time
56:15It was the last time
56:17Trevor and Kevin, thank you very much.
56:19Look forward to SportsCenter.
56:21It's a fun night here at MSG.
56:23Tim Bradley, let's go through what we saw between Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia.
56:28Tonight, I mean, Xander answered all the questions tonight.
56:33Can he take a punch?
56:34Yes, he can take a punch.
56:37He doesn't punch hard enough.
56:38Many thought he didn't, including myself.
56:41Is he big enough?
56:43Is he skilled enough to compete with the best fighters out there in the world?
56:47At the age of 22, he fought a strategic fight tonight.
56:51A brilliant battle of execution of technical prowess and ability, speed, combination punching,
57:02counters from all directions, check hooks from right hands, body work.
57:08He did it all tonight to accomplish his dream against a hungry, determined Garcia,
57:16who has come into this ring with confidence,
57:20with confidence, all the confidence in his body that he was going to win this world championship tonight.
57:25And Xander Zayas shut that down.
57:27My gosh, what a performance by this young man tonight.
57:30Congratulations to Xander Zayas.
57:33Way to get it done.
57:35We'll add to the fact that you see his copy box numbers,
57:37that he landed 45% of his power punches.
57:39Mark Kregel.
57:41119, 109, 11 rounds to one.
57:46Garcia brought it just like he said he would,
57:49and in the process, made Xander Zayas a star.
57:53Here's the Hall of Fame ring announcer, Jimmy Lennon Jr. with the cards.
57:56Ladies and gentlemen, after 12 rounds of action, here are the score totals.
58:03Judge of ringside, Tony Paiolillo scores the bout 116 to 112.
58:08Tom Schreck sees it 118 to 110.
58:13And Robin Taylor scores the action 119 to 109.
58:18All three in favor of the winner by unanimous decision.
58:24He is now the WBO junior middleweight champion of the world.
58:29El orgulloso boricua de San Juan, Puerto Rico.
58:35Xander Zayas.
58:40The embrace with family, with manager.
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