Puerto Rico’s Xander Zayas, 22, became boxing’s youngest active world champion on Saturday, securing a unanimous points victory over Mexico’s Jorge Garcia Perez at Madison Square Garden.
Zayas claimed the vacant WBO light-middleweight title with dominant scorecards of 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109.
“This is a dream come true,” said the unbeaten Zayas, who turned professional at 17 and now holds a perfect 22-0 record.
His strategic use of quick jabs and powerful rights controlled the fight, despite Garcia’s brief rally in the sixth round.
Zayas credited his jab for the win, stating, “The jab was the key to victory.”
