Xander Zayas vs Patrick Texiera Preview: Young Puerto Rican lion Xander Zayas will headline his first main event tonight at Madison Square Garden when he faces former WBO beltholder Patrick Teixeira in a 10-rounder. Zayas vs Texiera ESPN Bet Boxing Odds have Zayas as a heavy 16/1 favorite, with 56% of boxing picks in his favor.
Teixeira, 34-4, 25 KOs, made his bones by upsetting Carlos Adames in 2019 to win the interim WBO strap as a 12/1 underdog, but he has gone 3-3 since his signature win. Zayas, 18-0, 12 KOs, has steadily climbed the ladder to stardom, most recently dispatching fringe contender Jorge Forte as a 30/1 betting favorite.
Will Zayas’s talent result in a one-sided mismatch? Can the tricky southpaw style of Texiera cause problems for Zayas? Will the pressure of headlining at MSG cause Zayas to get impatient trying to score a knockout? How much does Texiera have left after all the wars? Is Texiera going to try and survive and cash a paycheck or go to war?
ESPN2 News breaks down this ESPN headliner with our Xander Zayas vs Patrick Texiera Preview and picks for this highly anticipated summer matchup of youth versus experience.
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Xander Zayas Bio
The Good
Xander Zayas is a bullet-headed, strong-framed junior middleweight who keeps getting stronger with each fight. He’s an aggressive and fundamentally sound boxer-puncher, exuding confidence every time he steps into the ring.
His searing left hook stands out as his most dangerous weapon, though his right hand isn’t far behind. Zayas boasts fast hands, a rapid-fire jab, and skillfully crafted combinations that define his fighting style.
His excellent ring vision and instincts allow him to expertly block shots on his shoulders, arms, and gloves. With improved head movement, he’s become an elusive target, adept at counterpunching off slips.
Remarkably, he has never been stunned or staggered in his pro career, showcasing a formidable chin. A true gym rat, Zayas has consistently shown improvement, dedicating himself to his craft with unwavering dedication and vigor.
The Bad
Has yet to face the crucible of high-level competition. His professional career has been a parade of C-D level opponents, leaving questions about how he’ll perform when the stakes are truly high. In his pursuit of offensive glory, he can get a bit carried away, leaving himself open to counters.
His attack can lack variety, with repetitive combinations that a savvy opponent could predict and exploit.
Against Ronald Cruz, he showed signs of fatigue in the later rounds of their 8-round bout, casting a shadow over his stamina.
Patrick Teixeira Bio
The Good
Lanky, a long-armed southpaw who can seamlessly transition between boxing and brawling. Can generate impressive leverage and power on his punches, especially with his slingshot hooks and uppercuts. He’s a high-energy competitor, maintaining a relentless punch output throughout his bouts.
His well-rounded skill set includes tricky footwork, a decent jab, and dedicated bodywork. Tough guy that would need to be carried out on a stretcher before conceding defeat.
With a good chin, he can absorb punishment without breaking. Armed with a wealth of veteran tricks and tactics, his nearly 15-year career and over 170 logged rounds have made him a solid professional.
The Bad
Slight of build for a junior middleweight making him susceptible to bodypunches. Gets hit too often for a top-level fighter. His willingness to trade punches recklessly at midrange leaves him open to big counterpunches. He’s a jack-of-all-trades in the ring, doing everything well but lacking any shining attributes.
Wide puncher that is inaccurate with ordinary handspeed. His career has seen some uneven performances, making him a risky bet for the savvy gambler. At 33 years old, he’s starting to show the wear and tear of a lengthy career.
A slow starter, he’s particularly vulnerable in the early rounds until he can find his rhythm. Has thin scar tissue that could easily reopen with even moderate strikes. Hasn’t fought at 154 lbs. in over 3 years which could cause stamina issues.
Xander Zayas v Patrick Teixiera Predictions
Zayas is a stud in the making with all the tools necessary for a long run as a boxing superstar. Texiera will try to use all his guile to outbox the 21-year-old phenom, but his defensive flaws and lack of size will be his undoing. Bet 2 units on an adrenaline-fueled Zayas to score a stoppage in front of his rabid fans during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend.
Xander Zayas v Patrick Texiera Picks
Xander Xayas via KO -150 (2 Units)
Zayas v Teixiera ESPN Bet Boxing Odds
Zayas Moneyline: -1600
Texiera Moneyline: +1200
Total Rounds: 8.5 Rounds O -115 U -115
Fight Goes The Distance: Y +120 N -165
Zayas via KO/ TKO/ Tech. Dec/DQ: -150
Zayas via Decision : +130
Texiera via KO/TKO/Tec. Dec/ DQ: +160
Texiera via Decision: +2500
Draw: +2200
Xander Zayas Tale-Of-The-Tape
- From: San Juan, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
- Record: 18-0 (12)
- Amateur Tournament Record: 18-3 (4)
- Rank: #19 (Boxrec)
- Ht: 5’10”
- Fight Night Weight: 165 lbs. (Est.)
- Reach: 74”
- Age: 21
- Best Weapon: Left Hook
- Style: Boxer/Puncher
- IG Followers: 237K
Size:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Height/Reach:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Power:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Technique:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Handspeed:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Stamina:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Defense:4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Resilience:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Jab:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Agility:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Intelligence:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
In-Fighting:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Bodypunching:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Heart:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
“He is someone who throws a lot of punches, so I have to get his timing down and start punching him between those combinations…”
-Xander Zayas
Patrick Texiera Tale-Of-The-Tape
- From: Brazil 🇧🇷
- Record: 34-4 (25)
- Amateur Tournament Record: None
- Rank: #157 (Boxrec)
- Ht: 5’11 1/2”
- Fight Night Weight: 160 Lbs. (Est.)
- Reach: 74”
- Age: 33
- Best Weapon: Left Bolo
- Style: Mover
- IG Followers: 137K
Size:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Height/Reach:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Power:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Technique:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Handspeed:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Stamina:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Defense:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Resilience:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Jab:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Agility:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Intelligence:4.0 out of 5.0 stars
In-Fighting:3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Bodypunching:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Heart:3.5 out of 5.0 stars
“In reality, I adapt myself to my opponent. I like to apply pressure and come forward, but it all depends on what my opponent does.”
-Patrick Texiera
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