New WBO champion Xander Zayas calls Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev for future unification battles
Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 Kos) says he is open for a unified match with one of the other champions at 154 after winning the vacant WBO junior middleweight title in a 12-round unanimous 12-round victory over Jorge Garcia (33-5, 26 Kos) at Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York City last Saturday night.
Fundora, Murtazaliev: Zayas Target
Zayas, 22, mentioned WBC champion Sebastian Fandra and IBF champion Bakuram Murtazaliev as fighters interested in fighting. But he does not choose his enemy. It is done at the top rank by his promoter.
“He shouldn’t have left it free in the first place. That’s all I have to say,” Xander Zaya said. Post-war press conference When Sebastian Fundora said he wanted his old WBO 154-lb title. “He knows where to contact us.
Zayas may not choose to fight Fundora. He can fight someone else, but unless Top Rank continues his careful matchmaking, he will soon lose his WBO title. They made Xander, made him against no name, looking at WBO rankings Jorge Garcia as #2 rather than one of the sharks.
Unless the money for a unified battle with Fundora or Bakhram Murtazaliev is ridiculous, Top Rank chooses a bottom feeder for Zayas to defend the WBO title. Xander’s predictable next opponent is #3 WBO Josh Kelly. He has no strength and will exist forever. He can hit infinitely for Zaya.
The reason Fundora vacated the WBO title is because he had the opportunity to fight Tim Tszyu for more money than he would have gained if he defended against Zayas. It wasn’t that he was afraid of him. He wanted a bigger payday.
“Everyone. I heard that Bakulam (Martazaliev) is looking for an opponent. Sebastian Fandra wants to get his belt back. So everyone in the division can get it now. I’m not running now. I’m the world champion and I have what they want,” Zayas said.
Xander speaks like crazy and raises IBF 154 pound champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. On Earth, there is no way for him or his promoter to fight undefeated IBF champion Murtazariev.
There is no retention and movement that he can work against Murtazariev. He’s too strong. All the non-stop clinches Xander went tonight did not prevent Bakhram from freeing one hand and putting Zayas in submission.
Top Rank has built Xander’s career with careful matchmaking. They are not going to let Murtazariev ruin their handiwork. They manipulated him in the same way that tomatoes could do matchmaking. If Edgar hadn’t left the company, they would probably have found a way to turn him into a champion, like with Zaya. It’s all matchmaking. It’s not about talent.


Last updated on 07/27/2025