Puerto Rican rising star Xander Zayas (22-0, 13KOs) will put his WBO 154lb title against Abass Baraou (17-1, 9KOs) and his WBA title in a title unification bout on Jan 31st at Zayas hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. This fight will be presented live via Top Rank. These two champions have sparred a plethora of rounds together in South Florida. On January 31st they will scrap the headgear and sparring gloves for the pro stage to unify in both their first title defense to become a unified champion.
This fight will be Zayas’ homecoming fight, especially since Zayas has only fought in his home island once, back in 2020. On July 26th Zayas become the youngest reigning champion in boxing at the time when he won the vacant WBO title with a one sided unanimous decision win against Jorge Garcia back on July 26th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York at the age of 23. Zayas is having a dream come true with his first title defense being in Puerto Rico. Zayas was quoted saying “It’s an honor to represent where I’m from, to represent my people, to represent Puerto Rico, and to put the pride of the island where it belongs, at the top,” he said. “If you can dream it, you can do it. That’s my message to them. We come from the same place, and there’s nothing we can’t do if we put in the work, and we put the dedication in.”
Baraou was more than willing to give into Zayas’ hope for his first title defense being a homecoming to his native island of Puerto Rico. Baraou, German champion who snatched the interim WBA belt via a unanimous decision in a head to head battle with Yoenis Tellez on August 23rd at Carib Royale in Orlando. The German native, Baraou was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt. The 31 year old champion, Baraou is no stranger being the foreigner and underdog, taking on fighters in the own backyard including hid win over Tellez. He looks to repeat the trend when he faces Zayas. Baraou was quoted saying “Everywhere I look, I get motivated,” Baraou said. “I come here, I see the arena, and it’s going to be full of Puerto Ricans. I’m fully prepared for that. I can’t wait for fight night. It’s like music to my ears.”
Baraou likes to strive in enemy territory while Zayas looks more and more sharp after every fight. This fight will be electrifying and both these champions will be bringing their best, ready to leave it all in the ring for legacy! Do not miss out on the action come fight night!
