In the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s eavesdrop on an electrifying tête-à-tête between boxing’s up-and-comers, Xander Zayas and Emiliano Fernando Vargas. The duo dives deep, exploring the vibrant nuances of Puerto Rican and Mexican traditions.
Straight outta San Juan, Puerto Rico, is 21-year-old sensation Zayas, rapidly ascending the ranks in the cutthroat junior middleweight division. Remember that time he showcased some serious boxing chops with a fifth-round TKO against Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September? That was exciting! Word on the street is he’s prepping for another spectacular fight before we bid adieu to this year.
Now, for those in the know, Emiliano Vargas isn’t just any young boxer; he’s boxing royalty, being the son of ex-world champ Fernando Vargas. Rocking the lightweight division as a Mexican-American top-contender, this 19-year-old dynamo is gearing up to trade punches with the undefeated Cristian Olivares. This significant fight is all set to steal the show on the undercard of the Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos world title extravaganza in Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena come November 16.
Let’s check out what these two boxing aficionados have to spill about waving their cultural flags this Hispanic Heritage Month:
Xander Zayas:
“For me, Puerto Rico and the spirit of Boricua is more than just a tag. It’s the fuel that lights my fire, pushes me to sweat it out in the gym, and give my all in the ring. Holding my flag high? That’s the dream, folks. And trust me, I won’t hit the brakes until every soul on the ‘Island of Enchantment’ beams with pride.”
Emiliano Fernando Vargas:
“Having that fiery Mexican blood coursing through me? Man, it’s a badge of honor. I revel in every shade of my culture. Mexico’s legacy in boxing is punctuated with legends, and I’m itching for the day I join that elite league.”