Vergil Ortiz Jr. went after Xander Zayas on social media today, minimizing his winning the vacant WBO junior middleweight title against Jorge Garcia last Saturday.
Favoritism in Zayas’ Ranking
Ortiz Jr. says Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) getting the opportunity to fight for the vacant WBO 154-lb belt was a “gift,’ and that he believes he was shown favoritism. Vergil Jr. stated that it was as if the title was “being held for somebody,” meaning Xander.
Zayas’ Unearned #1 Rank
- Slawa Spomer: Who is this guy?
- Damian Sosa: Another obscure fighter
- Patrick Teixeira: Journeyman
- Jorge Fortea: Another unknown
Presumably, these are the wins that the WBO based their decision on to give Xander Zayas his #1 ranking at 154. How do you not look at that as favoritism being shown? Where is the quality in that four-fighter group? Zayas should have had to beat someone like Israil Madrimov or Erickson Lubin to earn the #1 ranking.
Fans thought it was odd that the flawed Jorge Garcia was elevated to the #2 spot with the WBO and placed ahead of arguably far more talented Israil Madrimov, Erickson Lubin, and Serhii Bohachuk in the rankings. They disagreed that Garcia should have been moved to #2, and they equally felt that Xander Zayas didn’t belong at the #1 spot, given his weak resume.
Vergil Jr. let Zander know that he’s proven more than he has with the wins on his resume. Even though he hasn’t won a world title, he’s beaten better fighters than Zayas.
Ortiz Jr. Claims Superiority
“I’ve definitely proved more than you have. I’ve beaten several fighters who’ve become world champions,” said Ortiz Jr.
It’s not surprising that Ortiz Jr. is annoyed at seeing Xander getting put into a perfect position to have a world title handed to him on a silver platter. How could Zayas not succeed, given that he was vaulted to the #1 ranking with the WBO and faced a weak opponent for the vacant 154-lb belt?
The WBO could have ranked Madrimov or Lubin at #2. Instead, they chose Jorge Garcia. As for the fight itself, some fans felt the referee took a casual approach to Zayas’ constant holding, which was beyond excessive. There should have been point deductions.
Keep all those excuses to yourself brother, talk to me when you become a world champion. https://t.co/ibfn32tbCt
— Xander Zayas (@XanderZayas) August 1, 2025
Last Updated on 08/01/2025
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