Boxing Spotlight: Zayas vs. Teixeira Set for Coveted Headline Spot
This Saturday, June 8th at 11 p.m. Eastern Time (4 a.m. BST), rising prospect Xander Zayas will take on the experienced Patrick Teixeira in the main event at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City. The fight will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ in the United States, with Sky Sports airing the action in the United Kingdom.
At just 21 years old, Zayas is continuing to develop his skills after turning professional in 2018. This bout against the 33-year-old Teixeira will serve as an important gauge for the young Puerto Rican junior middleweight, who has compiled an impressive 18-0 (12 KOs) record thus far. Zayas, who now resides in Sunrise, Florida, has been steadily climbing the ranks with Top Rank, fighting three times in 2022.
Teixeira, hailing from Brazil, owns a professional record of 34-4 (25 KOs) and has faced several notable names in the 154-pound division. After a 2019 decision win over Carlos Adames, Teixeira earned a title shot but fell short against Brian Castano. He has since endured three consecutive defeats, though he has won his last three bouts to reposition himself for another opportunity.
“With the junior middleweight landscape in flux, this main event matchup offers a chance for Zayas to further establish himself as a prospect to watch.”
Even if he emerges victorious, the 21-year-old is likely still a few years away from challenging the division’s top contenders, including the likes of Jermell Charlo, Tim Tszyu, and Terence Crawford. Nonetheless, Zayas’ continued development on this high-profile platform will be a key focal point for boxing enthusiasts.
The undercard also features an intriguing featherweight clash between Bruce Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs) and Enrique Vivas (23-3, 12 KOs), providing additional excitement for fight fans.
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