Xander Zayas Tells Josh Kelly Again To Take Puerto Rico Fight

“Two weeks ago, Top Rank approached Matchroom, and we are still waiting for a formal yes from you,” Zayas wrote. “We have a date, location, and TV in Puerto Rico ready to go and just waiting on your formal yes.”

Zayas also disputed a claim about where the fight might take place. According to Zayas, earlier discussions included feedback from Kelly’s team that staging the bout in the United Kingdom would not work financially.

Kelly replied to the post shortly after and rejected Zayas’ description of the discussions. The British fighter wrote that offers have come from his side and said he is willing to travel to the United States if the fight is arranged.

“These are some lies here,” Kelly said. “My promoter is the only one making offers to you. We are willing to come to the United States to fight.”

The 23-year-old Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) recently captured the WBA 154-pound title with a 12-round split decision victory over champion Abass Baraou on January 31, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It’s not the prettiest performance from Xander, as he moves around and catches a lot. He did enough to win a close decision and now holds the WBA and WBO junior middleweight belts.

Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) defeated IBF 154-lb champion Bakhram Murtazaliev by 12-round majority decision on January 31, 2026, in Newcastle, England.

Unified junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas publicly challenged Josh Kelly over negotiations for a potential three-belt fight at 154 pounds, saying his team had already contacted Kelly’s side and was awaiting a formal answer.