Xander Zayas' Biggest Test Yet! Undefeated Star Fights for a World Title Shot on Feb. 14!

 

Xander Zayas Training Courtesy: Top Rank

Zayas Faces Fellow Undefeated Contender Slawa Spomer on Feb. 14 at Madison Square Garden – LIVE on ESPN

Rising Puerto Rican boxing star Xander Zayas is on the brink of a world title shot, but first, he must get past a dangerous undefeated opponent.

The WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender is set to clash with fellow unbeaten fighter Slawa Spomer in a 10-round co-main event on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The fight serves as the lead-up to the WBO lightweight world title showdown between champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) and American challenger Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs).

The card will also feature New Jersey middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) taking on world-ranked contender Connor “The Kid” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-round opener.

All three bouts—Berinchyk vs. Davis, Zayas vs. Spomer, and Mielnicki vs. Coyle—will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com.

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Zayas: "I'm Ready to Make a Statement"

At just 22 years old, Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) has quickly established himself as one of Puerto Rico’s brightest boxing prospects. Signed by Top Rank at just 16, he has remained undefeated and climbed the ranks with dominant performances. In 2024, Zayas solidified his status as a top contender by defeating former world champion Patrick Teixeira in June and securing a victory over Damian Sosa in September.

Now, Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs) stands in his way. The German fighter had a strong 2023, securing knockout wins over Felice Moncelli and Milan Prat before a first-round TKO victory over Adam Ngange in November.

After wrapping up training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Zayas spoke about the fight:

“I’ve studied his fights. He’s undefeated and knows how to adjust, but I believe I have the edge in every area. He’s tough, but I’m the better fighter overall.”

“We’ve worked on everything—defense, offense, counters, and using angles. With the preparation I’ve had, he won’t be able to keep up. Whether it goes 10 rounds or ends early, I’m leaving with the win.”

“This is the biggest fight of my career. I’m facing an undefeated, world-ranked opponent, and the winner is in line for a title shot. This is what I’ve worked for, and now, I’m closer than ever. I know I have to put on a spectacular performance.”

“For most people, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. But for me, it’s a chance to prove I’m the best at 154 pounds and that I deserve a world title shot next. I’m ready to make a statement.”

Zayas is on the verge of breaking into the championship scene, but first, he must deliver a dominant performance at Madison Square Garden. Will he rise to the occasion and stake his claim for a world title shot?

Find out LIVE on ESPN on February 14!