Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) is one month away from his first combat of 2023. The Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom will face nine-year veteran Ronald “Diablo” Cruz within the eight-round co-feature to the WBO featherweight world title conflict between Robeisy Ramirez and Isaac Dogboe on Saturday, April 1, at Laborious Rock Resort & On line casino Tulsa.
Ramirez-Dogboe, Zayas-Cruz and undercard bouts will stream dwell and solely within the U.S. on ESPN+.
Zayas signed with High Rank at 16 and has been on the quick observe to stardom ever since. In 2021, the 20-year-old prospect notched six wins, 4 of them by way of stoppage. The next yr, Zayas decisioned Quincy LaVallais in March, captured the vacant NABO junior middleweight title in August by knocking out Elias Espadas, and defended that title towards Alexis Salazar in December. Zayas’ street to contender standing continues towards Cruz (18-2-1, 12, KOs), a Los Angeles native who has by no means been stopped and is coming off a detailed determination loss to Damian Sosa final August.
Following a latest coaching session, that is what Zayas needed to say:
“I’m working extraordinarily onerous within the fitness center as a result of I would like 2023 to be the yr during which I place myself as one of many high contenders within the division.”
“I do know what I would like, and I do know what it’ll price me to realize it, however every of the sacrifices I make on daily basis within the fitness center are paying off, and I do it with the intention of trying higher each time I get into the ring. That motivates me. I attempt to be higher each single day as a result of each time I step into the ring, I do it with the intention of elevating the flag of my Island even increased.”
“I respect my opponent, Ronald ‘Diablo’ Cruz. He’s an skilled rival; he’s a former WBC Latino regional champ. I do know he’s motivated and excited for this chance. He’ll convey out the perfect of me within the ring. As soon as the bell rings, I’m there to do a job.”
Promoted by High Rank, in affiliation with Holden Productions, tickets beginning at $49.50 are on sale now and obtainable to buy at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com
