Surprising boxing moment at Super Bowl LX: Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas appear in Bad Bunny’s halftime show. The two engage in a brief exchange of blows in front of an audience of millions – in the middle of the stage set.
Boxing gets unexpected airtime at Super Bowl LX. During the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium, Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas are suddenly on the field. Bad Bunny incorporates the two prospects as part of his Latin-influenced production.
Zayas and Vargas can be seen in a short scene on the screens. They move casually, punching a few light hands, more for show than sparring. Bad Bunny walks between them. For boxing fans, the appearance comes out of nowhere. Neither of them hints at anything beforehand.
Bad Bunny has been an avowed boxing fan for years and wants to give the sport a visible stage. For Zayas, the moment also fits into a strong sporting phase: the 23-year-old has just come from San Juan, where he defeated Abass Baraou to win two titles in the semi-main event.
Vargas also brings a name and a story with him. The son of former world champion Fernando Vargas stands for Mexican roots and the new US generation in boxing. Together, this sends a clear message: Latino culture and boxing belong together for many fans – and this time it’s not just in the supporting program.
Text by Robin Josten