After fighting in relative anonymity for the better part of two years, former 154-pound titlist Patrick Teixeira (34-4, 25 KOs) will return to the boxing mainstream on June 8 with clear intentions. Set to do battle with surging contender Xander Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) at New York’s Madison Square Garden Theatre, the 33-year-old believes he still has what it takes to become champion again.
Having racked up three consecutive wins against modest opposition in his native Brazil, Teixeira is now eyeing his next step. Ultimately, he desires to re-establish himself as a major player at junior middleweight. “I have been preparing very well since my last fight,” Teixeira told FightsATW. “I had three fights in Brazil, and I waited for the best opportunity. They were fights to keep me active. I’m focused on capturing my title again at 154 pounds. I have a great opportunity to be on top again. I want to be champion again.”
Although he has a significant edge in terms of in-ring tenure and age, Teixeira acknowledges that eyes will be firmly on his opponent on the night. Touted as a future star of the sport, Zayas’ Puerto Rican roots should also see him draw a patriotic crowd in the ‘Big Apple.’ A stacked deck under bright lights will do little to deter Teixeira, however, who has entered as the underdog in each of the major contests during his career. The widest of these, in fact, came on the night he won the title, where he closed as a +450 outsider to Carlos Adames (23-1, 18 KOs).
The far-from-foreign challenge is one being welcomed with open arms by the southpaw, who is unwilling to serve as anyone’s stepping stone. “Zayas is an excellent fighter; (the) young man is on the rise. I have a lot more experience than him, and that will make a big difference,” he said. “When I’m in the ring, I’m completely focused on the fight. But I will be happy with the mass Puerto Rican fans in the arena. I’m very happy to see the arena full, and I’ll be prepared to give an excellent fight.”
A man of few words outside of the ring, the personality Teixeira expresses inside of it is as boisterous as it is infectious and exciting. At every quarter, he can be seen willing himself into the contest, relentless in his pursuit of landing a damaging combination. Whether he is speaking in limited phrases or letting his fists do the talking, the message is clear and consistent each time. You do not want to miss a Patrick Teixeira fight.
“I’ll leave it for June 8th. Come to the arena or watch live on ESPN. You cannot lose.”
Quotes in this article have been translated by manager Patrick Nascimento
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