Puerto Rican junior middleweight Xander Zayas is ready for his sixth New York City appearance.
Zayas is set to take on Mexico’s Damian Sosa in a 10-rounder on Friday, September 27, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Headlining the card is a WBO women’s welterweight title fight between Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs), the current champion, and former junior lightweight champion Mikaela Mayer (19-2, 5 KOs).
Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs), who signed with Top Rank at the age of just 16, has become a popular figure in New York since turning pro in 2019. Last time out, in June, he made his main event debut at The Theater, defeating former world champion Patrick Teixeira over 10 rounds. Meanwhile, Sosa (25-2, 12 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico, returns to the ring after vanquishing unbeaten prospect Marques Valle via split decision in April.
“Damian Sosa is a Mexican warrior who brings that work ethic, hunger, and drive to snatch this win from me,” says Zayas. “He’s coming off a solid victory in his last fight against another Puerto Rican. I know he’ll come well-prepared, and that’s exactly what we want. We want the best version of Damian Sosa that night, and I think we’ll get it.
“We are adjusting for a fighter who applies a lot of pressure and throws lots of punches. It’s all about being smart, sticking to the game plan, and listening to my corner.”
Zayas added: “Right now, we’re focusing more on conditioning, being at 100 percent at all times, and not losing focus at any point during the fight. We’re also working on being ready to fight on the inside when I need to and boxing on the outside when it’s time to box.
“It’s exciting to be heading back to New York. Every time, I can feel more of the love and support from the people who want to see me in the city that never sleeps. It’s something special.”
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