Just saw the fight Baraou vs Zayas in Puerto Rico and Zayas has massive star potential. Unified champ at 23 years old. And just a great personality. I wish there were more fighters like him in boxing. That's what boxing needs. 1. Gave the fans a great last round when he could have done the Haney 2. Gets along great(!) with everyone, crowd, interviewers, opponent. Super approachable, super engaging and open. 3. Translates his own interview - he was answering in spanish first, then the same in english. And seems pretty intelligent and fresh. 4. After the fight he had an understanding of the context and was further firing up the audience for what this means for puerto rico and even gave directions for the camera to show the crowd and calling out oscar de la hoya that big fights can be put up in puerto rico. 5. In a very warm and human way he gave his opponent and apparently long time sparring partner his props and had him be cheered by the audience, actually standing on the ropes next to him. 6 Btw the commentary was great. Unbiased for once, talking a lot about baraou and his way even though he was obviously the b-side. Loved everything about that event. Personally my favorite one this weekend, surprisingly. Zayas is now my favorite personality in boxing. He's far from unbeatable, but if boxing had more characters like him, the drawing power would be on a whole other level
I notice in your long post you mentioned nothing about his boxing skills. Just being a nice guy doesn't make you a star. He is good technically but lacks power and seems pretty ABC to me. Lets see how he goes when he fights an actual top fighter.
Yes sadly not a power puncher. And he could benefit from a bit more stamina I think. His personality is top notch, though. And two titles help promotion, too. If he can gather a little international following and a strong puerto rican following and become a bit better still (he's only 23) he would be like the antidote to our usual ryan garcias and tank davis and teofimo lopez etc with their social media catastrophes.
I don't see anything particularly special about this kid. Good fighter? Yes. The next Puerto Rican great? If he is, then the island isn't producing the same caliber of talent these days.
I like Zayas and had the chance to see him in MSG in July when he won the belt Seems like a good kid with a good head on his shoulders which I know one poster said doesn't say anything about his fighting ability which is true but I think we have had so many young fighters have controversies, issues outside the ring, or stagnate which in spite of all of their talent leads to disappointment. Zayas has good skills and has yet to get his man strength . I hope to see him continue to develop and am curious to see how far he goes
Him being a very good talker and seemingly quick and intelligent gives me hope, too. An athlete can gain a lot from approaching things with intelligence, from kinetics to tactics and adapting in the ring.
none of that will help when the other guy is strong, aggressive, and hits like a truck. Just saying, Vergil would be a serious problem for him.
Zayas has been developing for a while now yet still doesn't seem upto the level of the big dogs. He might surprise us when hes properly tested. Also Puerto Rican fighters seem to carry an unnecessary weight on their back because of their nationality. Too much expectations...
