5 Key Takeaways From Xander Zayas’s Dominant WBO Junior Middleweight Title Win Over Jorge Garcia Perez

The boxing world witnessed a historic changing of the guard on Saturday, July 26, 2025, as Puerto Rican phenom Xander Zayas solidified his position as one of the sport's brightest stars. Zayas faced the seasoned Mexican veteran Jorge Garcia Perez for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in a highly anticipated main event at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight went the distance, with Zayas ultimately claiming a decisive victory by unanimous decision, marking his first major world championship.

This victory was more than just a title win; it was the crowning moment for a fighter Top Rank signed at just 16 years old. The 22-year-old Zayas showcased maturity, superior ring generalship, and a relentless offensive attack to defeat the tough, hard-hitting "Chino" Garcia Perez, cementing his status as boxing's newest young world champion. The dominant scorecards reflect a performance that was both tactical and thrilling for fans.

Fighter Profiles: Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia Perez

The championship bout pitted a rising, undefeated superstar against a powerful, experienced contender. Here is a look at the two fighters who battled for the WBO junior middleweight crown.

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• Xander Zayas Castro (The Champion)
  • Country: Puerto Rico
  • Born: September 5, 2002 (Age 22 at fight time)
  • Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Alias: N/A
  • Height: 5’ 10” (178 cm)
  • Reach: 74”
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Professional Record (Post-Fight): 22 Wins, 0 Losses (13 KOs)
  • Noteworthy: Top Rank’s youngest-ever signee; became one of boxing’s youngest male world champions with this win.
• Jorge Garcia Perez (The Challenger)
  • Country: Mexico
  • Born: August 1, 1997 (Age 27 at fight time)
  • Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
  • Alias: "Chino"
  • Height: 6’ 0” (183 cm)
  • Reach: N/A
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • Professional Record (Post-Fight): 33 Wins, 5 Losses (26 KOs)
  • Noteworthy: Known for his high knockout percentage (over 70%); entered the fight on an eight-fight win streak.

The Dominance of the Unanimous Decision Scorecards

While Jorge Garcia Perez brought his signature power and aggression to the ring, Xander Zayas's technical brilliance and superior ring IQ ultimately controlled the 12-round contest. The final scorecards told a clear story of dominance, with all three judges scoring the bout heavily in favor of the Puerto Rican star.

The official scores were: 116-112, 118-110, and a near-shutout 119-109. This wide margin reflects Zayas's ability to consistently beat Garcia Perez to the punch, utilizing sharp counters, crisp combinations, and excellent footwork to minimize the Mexican fighter’s dangerous power shots. Zayas proved he could handle the championship rounds and maintain a high work rate for the full 36 minutes, a crucial step in his development as a professional boxer.

The fight was a perfect display of the classic Boxer vs. Puncher dynamic. Garcia Perez constantly pressed forward, aiming to land the single, fight-ending blow, but Zayas’s defense and movement were too slick. He was noted for his superior timing and hand speed, which allowed him to land his shots and immediately pivot out of danger.

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A Historic WBO Junior Middleweight Championship Moment

The victory over Jorge Garcia Perez was a landmark achievement for Xander Zayas, as it secured him the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Title, contested at 154 pounds. This division, also known as Super Welterweight, has a rich history of legendary champions, and Zayas's win places him among the elite at a remarkably young age. Becoming a world champion at 22 years old instantly makes him a major player in the sport and a mandatory challenger for other belts in the weight class.

This championship win is particularly significant for Puerto Rican boxing, adding Zayas's name to a lineage of greats from the island. The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, a second home for many Puerto Rican fighters, was electric, fueling Zayas's performance and celebrating his monumental achievement. His success is seen as a continuation of the proud tradition established by legends like Felix "Tito" Trinidad and Miguel Cotto.

The Key to Victory: Footwork and Combination Punching

Analysis of the fight highlights Zayas's technical advantages as the decisive factor. While punch stats are not fully public, reports indicate Zayas threw and landed significantly more punches than his opponent. He demonstrated a high-level ability to string together three- and four-punch combinations, overwhelming Garcia Perez at times.

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Zayas’s footwork was exceptional, allowing him to dictate the distance. He was able to use the entire ring, preventing Garcia Perez from setting his feet to unleash his knockout power. This tactical discipline, combined with the speed of his jab and the power of his straight right hand, broke down the Mexican challenger round after round. The ability to maintain this level of performance for all 12 rounds against a durable opponent like Garcia Perez speaks volumes about his conditioning and championship pedigree.

What's Next for the New WBO World Champion?

With the WBO Junior Middleweight belt now firmly around his waist, the boxing world is buzzing about Xander Zayas's future. The new champion wasted no time in setting up his next major defense, which is already scheduled to be a massive event.

Zayas’s next defense will be against the tough German contender, Abass Baraou. This fight is slated for Saturday, January 31, 2026, and is scheduled to take place at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This will be Zayas's first world title defense in his home country, a monumental occasion that is expected to draw a massive, passionate crowd.

A victory over Baraou, who is a formidable challenge in the 154-pound division, will further validate Zayas’s reign and set the stage for potential unification bouts. The ultimate goal for the young champion is to unify the division, challenging for the other major belts held by elite fighters in the super welterweight class. The Xander Zayas vs. Jorge Garcia Perez fight was not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new chapter in boxing's junior middleweight division.