WBO Celebrates New World Champions: Xander Zayas and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodríguez

Gustavo Olivieri, Robert García, Bam Rodríguez, Xander Zayas and Javiel Centeno.

By The Star Staff

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) and its president, Attorney Gustavo Olivieri Miranda, hosted a grand reception and title presentation event to honor the organization’s newest professional world champions, Xander Zayas and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodríguez.

The event took place at Arena Medalla, located in the T-Mobile District in San Juan, where fans and notable public figures gathered to celebrate these exceptional young athletes.

“The WBO is proud to welcome the new world champions in the Jr. Bantamweight and Jr. Middleweight divisions, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodríguez and Xander Zayas. Rodríguez is without a doubt one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the lower weight classes; he becomes WBO world champion in a second division on his way to becoming the undisputed champion,” said Olivieri Miranda. “Meanwhile, we have boxing’s newest rising star in Zayas, who is now the youngest active world champion and is shaping up to be the most promising talent in his division. Both represent the best of professional boxing: dedication, discipline, and tenacity.”

Last Saturday, Puerto Rican boxer Xander Zayas, who was ranked No. 1 by the WBO, made history by becoming world champion in the Junior Middleweight division (154 lbs). Zayas accomplished this milestone by defeating Mexico’s Jorge ‘Chino’ García, ranked No. 2, by unanimous decision in an electrifying bout held at the Madison Square Garden Theater in New York. With this victory, Zayas became the youngest active world champion at just 22 years old.

“Thank you to the WBO for supporting me from the very beginning of my career. I started as the WBO NABO champion, and now I’m a world champion. It’s an honor for me to bring glory to Puerto Rico and to represent my Island—and most of all, to raise our flag high where it belongs,” said Zayas. “Miguel Cotto is my favorite boxer. On July 26, 2017, he won his WBO title at 154 lbs, and on July 26, 2025, I won mine. It’s an honor to have him here with me for such an important moment.”

Bam Rodríguez and Xander Zayas.

Meanwhile, Texas native Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodríguez dazzled in the ring by defeating previously undefeated former WBO world champion Phumelele Cafu of South Africa by technical knockout in the tenth round. The bout took place on July 19 at The Ford Center at The Star in Texas. With this dominant win, Rodríguez claimed the unified world title in the junior bantamweight division (115 lbs), repeating his success after previously becoming world champion at flyweight (112 lbs).

“Thank you to the WBO for the way they’ve treated me and my team. I’ve been to Puerto Rico twice, and I’ve always been treated incredibly well. Those are experiences I’ll never forget. Being a two-division WBO champion is a great privilege, and we’re not stopping here—expect the best from me. In the future, we aim for a third title in the 118 lbs division,” said Rodríguez.

The event brought together world champions, sports legends, celebrities from various fields, and fans eager to share unforgettable moments with their champions.

Among those present were Puerto Rican legends and former champions Miguel Cotto, Iván Calderón, Nelson Dieppa, Alex “El Nene” Sánchez, Román “Rocky” Martínez, and current world champions René Santiago and Óscar Collazo.

Under the leadership of Olivieri Miranda, the WBO reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of professional boxing and the celebration of its athletes’ achievements. This special occasion not only honored the success of Zayas and Rodríguez but also served as an inspiration for the next generation of boxers to pursue their dreams.

El calce de la última foto es: Gustavo Olivieri, Robert García, Bam Rodríguez and Miguel Cotto.