MANDATORY challenger Xander Zayas will soon be ordered to enter negotiations for a vacant WBO world title clash with Jorge Garcia Perez.
The 22-year-old was supposed to face Sebastian Fundora, who many deemed a step too far, in what promised to be an intriguing super-welterweight showdown later this year.
But instead, Fundora has since decided to vacate his WBO strap – while resuming his reign as the WBC world champion – in pursuit of a rematch with Tim Tszyu.
It is widely reported that the pair will collide on July 19, featuring on the undercard of a controversial showdown between Manny Pacquiao and WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
With regards to Zayas, 21-0 (13 KOs), meanwhile, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri announced on social media yesterday that his title opportunity should arrive soon enough.
In the next day or so, the sanctioning body is expected to issue an official negotiation order, initiating discussions for a potential fight between Zayas and Perez, 33-4 (26 KOs).
The Mexican contender pulled off a sizable upset last month, edging a split decision against highly-rated, and previously unbeaten, operator Charles Conwell.
Conwell’s lacklustre performance, however, largely flattered the sturdy yet one-dimensional style of Perez, who has nonetheless earned himself a second-place WBO ranking.
Zayas, on the other hand, is in many ways destined for stardom, with the talented technician seemingly lacking just an extra layer of experience.
In any case, though, the Puerto Rican has been presented with a far more winnable assignment against Perez, as many would consider Fundora to be the top dog at 154lbs.
