Xander Zayas authors dominant win over Jorge Garcia Perez - ESPN

Xander Zayas is not the first Puerto Rican boxer to feel at home in New York, but Saturday, the 22-year-old set himself apart by becoming the youngest current world champion after he captured the vacant WBO junior middleweight title with a dominant decision win over Jorge Garcia Perez at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Fighting at the Garden for the eighth time in his career, Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) was in control from the opening bell, using elusive footwork and counterpunching to quell Garcia Perez's awkward but powerful offense. As Zayas picked up on his opponent's timing, he maintained distance — even when Garcia Perez, standing in a corner after absorbing a combination, tried to bring in Zayas. When Garcia Perez closed the distance, Zayas tied him up.

All three judges awarded the fight to Zayas (116-112, 118-110, 119-109). Garcia Perez, a 28-year-old from Mexico, saw his eight-fight winning streak end.

In the final 30 seconds of Round 6, Zayas punctuated an exchange with a right hand that sent Garcia Perez (33-4, 26 KOs) stumbling into the ropes. Garcia Perez regained his footing, but Zayas continued to pick him apart.

Garcia Lopez appeared to be fading, but he had a strong eighth round, throwing more combinations. But in the ninth, Zayas avoided damage and answered with combinations. He was in control the rest of the way, landing at a high percentage and making Garcia Perez miss.

According to CompuBox, Zayas landed 50 more jabs and 19 more power punches than Garcia Perez despite throwing 81 fewer punches. Garcia Perez connected on 22% of his total punches and 24% of his power punches, while Zayas connected on 38% of his total punches and 45% of his power punches. Zayas also held a 59-31 edge in body shots