Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KO’s) is on an ascension up the rankings, and has been navigated well to date.
In taking on Damian Sosa (25-3, 12 KO’s) in Friday’s Top Rank show on ESPN, some thought the 22-year-old Puerto Rican competitor would be tested in the super welterweight (154 pounds) contest, primarily due to Sosa’s toughness (Sosa has never been stopped in a fight).
Speculation turned out to be true in a sense, as Zayas threw everything he had at Sosa, but could not put the gritty Mexican down over the course of 10 rounds.
Sosa, indeed, put up a fight, but did not throw as many shots as he has typically done in a bout.
Zayas stayed busy with his jab and body shots that seemed to befuddle Sosa whenever Sosas was in Zayas’s range, leaving Sosa unable to get much work going.
It was an impressive display by Zayas, who stuck with his game plan and dictated the pace throughout the fight.
When there were exchanges, Zayas would get the better of it, leading him to a unanimous decision win.
When asked who he wants next, Zayas simply responded, “Anyone in the top five”.
Mayer and Ryan deliver for the ladies
Mikaela Mayer (20-2, 5 KO’s) had won her first 17 bouts before losing in an undisputed clash to Alycia Baumgardner two years ago.
Since then, Mayer’s gone 2-2 leading to Friday’s welterweight (147 pounds) title shot with Sandy Ryan (7-2-1, 3 KO’s), whose camp had reportedly poached some of Mayer’s assistant trainers, prompting a verbal joust between the two fighters.
Fight night brought an extra layer to the fight. Ryan was on her way to the arena and, as she left the hotel, someone allegedly ran up to her and threw paint on her.
It was an attack that was uncalled for.
Ryan felt as if Mayer had something to do with it, but Mayer denied any involvement. There is a police investigation into the incident.
The fight was a classic. Early on, Mayer moved well, staying away from Ryan’s power.
Ryan, visibly upset after the pre-fight attack, might have been out of rhythm. Once her power showed up, though, the fight became even.
Ryan was landing thudding shots and bodywork that Mayer was clearly affected by.
To her credit, Mayer was busy and landing counters that seemed to stun Ryan as well. It was a real back-and-forth fight between the two and one to challenge for “Women’s Fight of the Year”.
When the scorecards were read, Mayer was awarded a majority decision with scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.
Ryan felt she won. I believe a rematch would serve best to both, especially with the added drama.
