At just 22 years old, Xander Zayas made history on July 26, beating Jorge Garcia by unanimous decision. The Puerto Rican phenom became boxing’s youngest active champion with a dominant performance against a rugged contender in Garcia. The win placed him among the elite at junior middleweight (154 lbs.), a division stacked with dangerous names like Vergil Ortiz Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and newly arrived Jaron "Boots" Ennis.
Boxing's Youngest Current Champion Xander Zayas Ranks Top 3 Possible Targets: Jaron "Boots" Ennis, Sebastian Fundora, Vergil Ortiz Jr. originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
At just 22 years old, Xander Zayas made history on July 26, beating Jorge Garcia by unanimous decision. The Puerto Rican phenom became boxing’s youngest active champion with a dominant performance against a rugged contender in Garcia. The win placed him among the elite at junior middleweight (154 lbs.), a division stacked with dangerous names like Vergil Ortiz Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and newly arrived Jaron "Boots" Ennis.
Now, with the belt secured, Zayas appeared on Ariel X Ade: The Boxing Show to rank his top three preferred next opponents.
When asked to rank Ortiz, Fundora, and Ennis in order of his desired next fight, Zayas gave the question some thought.
"I feel like Vergil Ortiz, one. Sebastian Fundora [two], 'Boots' Ennis [three]," he told Helwani.
He explained that a clash with Ortiz would resonate deeply with boxing fans, given the rivalry between their respective heritages.
"Vergil Ortiz, I feel like is going to be a huge fight here on the East Coast, for Puerto Rico and Mexico, him being from Texas, me being from Puerto Rico, fighting a lot in New York City,” Zayas said. “I feel like that in the East Coast will be a crazy fight."
The matchup would pit two undefeated power punchers against each other, with Ortiz holding the WBC interim title and Zayas now the WBO champion.
It is also a potential fight with drama and buildup, as Ortiz has previously dismissed Zayas’ resume, saying the two are on “different levels” in a social media rant.
Zayas cited unfinished business for picking Fundora at second, saying, "I picked him because I was the mandatory and I felt that fight was going to happen, and I still want to showcase that I can beat him."
Fundora, the WBC champion, vacated the WBO belt to rematch Tim Tszyu, leaving Zayas to face Garcia instead.
A fight with the 6'6 Fundora would test Zayas’ adaptability against an unorthodox southpaw with ridiculous reach and volume. Despite Fundora’s physical stature, it’s a stylistic challenge Zayas is eager to tackle.
As for Ennis, Zayas ranked him third, noting the uncertainty around the former welterweight king’s move to 154 pounds.
"Same thing with 'Boots' here in the East Coast, him being a former world champion moving up in weight class,” Zayas said, admitting the undeniable popularity of the Philadelphia native. “I got to see him at [154 lbs] first, [147 lbs] is a whole different story, that's why I picked him at third."
Ennis, who vacated his IBF welterweight title to chase bigger fights, would have a high-stakes introduction to the division against the young and hungry Zayas.
Each matchup presents unique risks from Ortiz’s brute force, Fundora’s physical advantages, and Ennis’ technical brilliance. The super welterweight division is heating up, and Zayas' next move will add even more fuel to the fire.
Watch the full episode here:
Related: ‘You Got a Gift!’ – Xander Zayas’ Championship Win Draws Harsh Criticism from Rival
Related: 'He Could Get Knocked Out!' Ryan Garcia Boldly Predicts Canelo vs. Crawford
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
