Richard Torrez Jr Says Fans Overlook Xander Zayas

“I think people are underestimating Xander so much. It’s insane to me,” said Torrez to Fight Hub TV. “People are all like, ‘Xander’s not ready for Boots. Boots is going to wash him out.’ Xander’s a world champ, like a multiple belt world champ.”

Torrez said many fans are overlooking Zayas because of his age rather than what he has already accomplished inside the ring.

“I think people are just overlooking him because he’s so young,” said Torrez. “I’m giving it to Xander. I think his boxing ability, his ring IQ, his presence, his stature, it’s going to be tough for anybody to beat him.”

The unbeaten heavyweight contender also gave a technical breakdown for how he believes Zayas can trouble Ennis.

“I think Xander has to faint and get Boots off his rhythm,” Torrez said. “I’d like to see Xander continue his lateral movement. Being able to make him pick up his feet and move is going to throw a counterpuncher off his game.”

Torrez added that Ennis has looked dominant partly because of the style matchups he has received in recent fights, though he still praised Ennis as one of boxing’s elite fighters.

“I think Boots is an amazing fighter,” said Torrez. “But I do think it’s going to be a different fight against Xander because this guy isn’t fitting the status quo of the last couple fighters that Boots has fought.”

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