Xander Zayas says Elias Espadas is the biggest fight of his career

Being able to fight for the North American title endorsed by the WBO excites Xander Zayas, who is considered to be an exciting prospect for Puerto Rican boxing.

At just 19 years of age with a 13-0 record (9 KOs), Zayas hopes to head towards what could be the springboard to eventually challenge for a world title, but in order to achieve this goal, he needs to look relentless tonight in Las Vegas.

"It means a lot to me on this card. The most relevant fight of my career so far. My first championship fight and against a Mexican warrior. Puerto Rico and that I will be the protagonist, it makes my skin crawl," Zayas told DAZN.

Xander knows that on his shoulders is the weight of knowing that Puerto Rican boxing is looking for a face, but instead of feeling overwhelmed by the pressure, he claims to be having fun in the process of reaching the sport's elite.

"Not since Cotto have we had a boxer who has taken that level to the top. There's Amanda Serrano, but among men there isn't that star. For me it's not pressure, but it is a responsibility. I'm having a good time in the process, because I do what I love, but I know that the time will come. I just have to keep winning and having a good time in the ring."

Zayas recognises that his opponent, Mexico's Elías Espadas, is a veteran and has a lot of experience, but he is confident that his preparation has been adequate for this contest.

"All the Mexicans are tough, but I'm well prepared. I know what I want and what I have, what I can give in the ring. I know what I have, but I would say that at 19 years old it's complicated, sometimes to keep the focus, but I've been doing this for a long time and I also have a great team and great parents who take me, who know my goals and what I have to do. They keep me in that line of focus.

Zayas knows that the opportunities are slowly fading away and according to his projections he hopes to compete for a world title in 2023.

"I feel that by the end of 2023 I have to already be in the talks of world title contenders. But I'm not in a hurry, but I'm going at a steady pace. But first let's go for Espadas," Zayas concluded.