After successfully slaying Damian Sosa via a unanimous decision on September 27, 2024, Xander Zayas is already back in training. It has not even been two months since Zayas put on a clinic at Madison Square Garden to keep his undefeated streak going. It was his second fight of the year where he successfully defended his NABF and NABO Super Welterweight titles.

With his stocks currently high, fans and Top Rank Boxing are talking about finding a high-caliber opponent for the Puerto Rican. The 20-0 boxer has already issued a challenge for “Whoever in the top five” in the 70kg division and looks determined for an eventual title shot. With increased expectations on his shoulders, the 22-year-old has already jumped back into the training to get himself ready for the upcoming challenge.

Xander Zayas’s desire for blood

The Puerto Rican boxer took to his Instagram to post several pictures of him getting back to training. He wrote, “Back to business. Can’t wait to paint with some blood this brand new canvas,” showcasing his desire and desperation to get back in action.

For years, Zayas has been training under Javiel Centeno at his Sweet Science Boxing Gym in Miami. Before every major outing, the 20-0 boxer turns to Centeno to sharpen his skills and prepare for the fights. The training specifically focuses on conditioning and sparring and refining Zayas’ fighting style. Ahead of his fight against Patrick Teixeira, the Puerto Rican stated how Centeno focuses on all-around development and emphasizes technique, strategy, and stamina to last all 12 rounds, which is essential for the 70kg.

As Zayas is looking for his next prey, Top Rank seems to have an opponent in mind with talks going on.

Is Slawa Spomer next in line for Xander Zayas?

It looks like Top Rank has identified Slawa Spomer as the next opponent for ‘XYZ’. Spomer, hailing from Germany, is also undefeated and has a record of 19-0 and according to the promotion company, is an ideal opponent for Zayas. Earlier, Zayas’ team tried to make a deal with Spomer but the talks fell through and in the end, the San Juan native had to fight Mexican Damian Sosa in September. But now that the fight is over, Zayas is looking for rather “elite opponents” with Spomer’s name popping up yet again.

Carl Moretti, the vice president of Top Rank stated, “He’s in the rankings and we like his style,” while talking about the German. On the other hand, Spomer’s team has also accepted that they are in negotiations with Zayas’ camp. Spomer last fought in October 2023, where he defeated Milan Prat, handing him his first career loss.

So, if the negotiations are successful this time around, we might finally see this clash taking place. A win here would prove beneficial for Zayas as it could elevate him to the title opportunity that he so desperately craves.

What do you think about Xander Zayas’ latest post? Does he need only one more win to ultimately challenge for the title? Let us know your thoughts down below.