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Richard Torrez Jr says fans overlooked Xander Zayas

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Image: Xander Zayas Says Jaron Ennis ‘Saw It Today’ at Face-Off

Richard Torrez Jr. believes fans are not paying attention to Xander Zayas preparing for his fight against Jaron Ennis on June 27.

Torrez, who trains under the same Top Rank banner as Zayas, said he was surprised how quickly many fans dismissed the undefeated junior middleweight champion against Ennis, widely viewed as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing.


“I think people underestimate Xander so much. To me, it’s crazy,” Torrez said in an interview with Fighting Hub TV. “All the people are saying, ‘Xander’s not ready for Boots. Boots will wash him away’. Xander’s a world champion, like a multiple world champion.”

Torrez said many fans don’t pay attention to Zayas because of his age rather than what he has already accomplished in the ring.

“I think people just overlook him because he’s so adolescent,” Torrez said. “I give it to Xander. I think his boxing skills, his ring IQ, his presence, his size, it’s going to be demanding for anyone to beat him.”

The undefeated heavyweight also provided a technical analysis of how he thinks Zayas could cause trouble for Ennis.

“I think Xander needs to pass out and knock Boots out of his rhythm,” Torrez said. “I’d like to see Xander continue his lateral movement. Being able to force him to get his feet up and move will take him out of his counter-attacking game.

Torrez added that Ennis appears dominant, due in part to the style of fights he has received in recent fights, although he continued to praise Ennis as one of boxing’s elite fighters.

“I think Boots is an amazing player,” Torrez said. “But I think it will be a different fight with Xander because this guy doesn’t fit the status quo of the last few fighters Boots has fought.”

Zayas and Ennis are expected to meet in one of the biggest fights of the summer, and many fans already consider Ennis the clear favorite.

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Last update: 2026/05/11 at 20:02

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

Derek Chisora accused Dana White of operating like a “slave owner,” but Conor Benn’s lucrative move to Zuffa Boxing offers a substantial counterpoint to the heavyweight’s attack.

Chisora’s complaint centered on White turning fighters away from his platform. That hardly explains the comparison, especially with Benn reportedly collecting $15 million for his first Zuffa appearance alone.

“Dana White is not my cup of tea, to be honest with you,” Chisora said in an interview with Fight Hub TV following the Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua press conference. “Because the way he operates is just, he operates like a slave owner, man. You know, fighters want to fight on his platform. He tells them, ‘You’re not good enough for me, so go away.’ What is a fighter going to do? What is he going to do after that? That’s not right.”

Benn’s experience makes that accusation difficult to defend. His reported $15 million purse for facing Regis Prograis was followed by a world-title opportunity against Ryan Garcia. White’s platform has delivered both substantial money and a major fight for the British welterweight.

One boxer’s earnings cannot answer every question about a promoter’s treatment of fighters. But Chisora supplied no named example to support his accusation. Benn gives readers something concrete to weigh against it.

Chisora also argued that a fighter who performs poorly one night can improve the next time. Fair enough. Promoters still have to decide whom to sign, how many places they can offer, and which fights they want to stage. Wanting a contract does not create an entitlement to one.

His example concerns access to White’s platform, rather than restrictions imposed on someone already fighting there. Those are different issues, and Chisora never explained how rejection justified his language.

Asked about the dispute between Eddie Hearn and White, Chisora made his personal dislike clear. What he failed to provide was an argument strong enough to carry such a loaded accusation.

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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown

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"Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown"

The long-awaited, all-British heavyweight blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is officially set for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Backed by Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the defining clash will see both men pocket a career-high purse and settle the debate – to a degree – of this generation’s best UK heavyweight.

After more than a decade of false starts and fractured negotiations, the two former heavyweight champions will finally settle their rivalry in what promises to be the biggest commercial event in British boxing history. Broadcast rights have been secured by Netflix for a global audience and Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao may appear on the undercard, despite turning 49 one week after the event.

Crucially, Joshua’s camp held firm during negotiations to ensure the bout remained on domestic soil. Despite the potential for more lucrative offers overseas, ‘AJ’ refused to budge on the location, and the pair meet today in London to make it official.

Fans can watch live via the stream below, with the proceedings expected to kick off at 6 PM – though delays and gamesmanship may be a factor.