FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2025) — WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas is knocking on the door of a world title opportunity, and a dominant showing could be the key to unlocking it.
The 22-year-old Puerto Rican phenom will lock horns with fellow unbeaten Slawa Spomer in a 10-round showdown on Friday, Feb. 14, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Spomer will be the co-feature to the WBO lightweight world title battle between reigning champion Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) and American challenger Keyshawn Davis (12-0, 8 KOs).
New Jersey-born middleweight Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (20-1, 12 KOs) will open the ESPN-televised tripleheader in a 10-rounder against world-ranked contender Connor “The Kid” Coyle (21-0, 9 KOs).
Berinchyk-Keyshawn, Zayas-Spomer, and Mielnicki-Coyle will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions and Queensberry Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 in 2019 and has become one of Puerto Rico’s most promising young stars. In 2024, he dominated former world champion Patrick Teixeira in June and decisioned Damian Sosa in September, solidifying his status as the WBO’s No. 1 contender. Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs), who tallied stoppage wins in 2023 versus Felice Moncelli and Milan Prat, returns after scoring a first-round TKO against Adam Ngange in November.
Following a recent training session in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is what Zayas said:
“I’ve watched clips of his fights. He’s undefeated and knows how to adjust. He’s a good boxer, but I feel superior in every aspect. He’s a warrior, but I am the better fighter overall.”
“We’ve worked on everything. We’ve worked on defense, offense, countering, and using our angles. Based on my preparation and the kind of rhythm I’ll have in the fight, he won’t be able to handle me. I’m also ready to go the full 10 rounds. So, whether it goes the distance or not, I know I’m leaving with the win.”
“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m fighting someone who’s ranked and unbeaten, and the winner will likely get a world title shot this year. We’ve worked toward that goal for many years and are closer than ever. I’m highly focused on what I have to do, and I know I have to look spectacular.”
“For lots of people, February 14 is Valentine’s Day. For me, though, it’s a chance to showcase why I’m the best at 154 pounds and deserve a world title shot next. I’m ready to make a statement.”
