Xander Zayas, the new WBO super-welterweight champion, wants to fight Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz. The undefeated boxer recently won his title and is already looking for big challenges.
Zayas grabbed the vacant WBO belt on July 26 at Madison Square Garden, New York City. He outpointed Jorge Garcia Perez to claim his first world title. Now, he's got his eyes on some of the division's biggest names.
In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Zayas shared his thoughts on potential opponents.
"I feel like Vergil Ortiz [number] one, Sebastian Fundora and 'Boots' Ennis."
Zayas seems most interested in a fight with Vergil Ortiz. The 27-year-old Texan holds the WBC interim super-welterweight title. Ortiz recently defended his belt against former WBA champion Israil Madrimov on February 22.
"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. I feel that being on the East Coast would be a crazy fight."
Jaron 'Boots' Ennis is another name on Zayas' list. Ennis recently gave up his unified WBA and IBF welterweight titles and plans to move up to super-welterweight later this year. He's coming off an impressive win over Eimantas Stanionis.
The super-welterweight division is heating up. Champions and contenders are making moves, and Zayas wants to be in the mix. He's also mentioned WBC champion Sebastian Fundora as a potential opponent.
Ennis and Ortiz might face each other first. Their promoters have said this fight will happen, possibly in early 2026. The winner could then face Zayas in a title fight.
Zayas is clearly not wasting time. He's calling out big names and looking to make his mark in the division. Whether it's Ennis, Ortiz, or Fundora, the new champion is ready for a challenge.
