The super welterweight division is heating up with an exciting unification bout on the horizon. On January 31, the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan will host a thrilling clash between WBA champion Abass Baraou and WBO champion Xander Zayas. This highly anticipated event is set to be a night of high-stakes boxing, with both fighters eager to prove their mettle.
Baraou, known for his relentless pressure and adaptability, has issued a stern warning to Zayas ahead of their January 31 showdown. The German-born fighter, who has a record of 17-1 with 9 KOs, is confident in his abilities and ready to take on the challenge in Puerto Rico.
Zayas, a 23-year-old Puerto Rican with an impressive record of 22-0 and 13 KOs, has been making waves in the boxing world. He signed with a major promoter at just 16 and has been steadily climbing the ranks. His victory over Jorge Garcia Perez on July 26, 2025, earned him the vacant WBO super welterweight title, setting the stage for this unification bout.
Baraou, who was elevated to full champion status after Terence Crawford vacated the WBA belt, has been training rigorously in Miami. He recently shared his thoughts on his upcoming fight, expressing confidence in his skills and determination. “I haven’t shown what I’m capable of yet,” Baraou said. “I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I know how to adapt. If I have to fight more technically, I can. I know how to box. However, most of the time, I break down fighters. I can do that best.”
The German fighter is known for his ability to apply pressure in the ring, a skill he believes will be crucial in his fight against Zayas. “Coming forward is something I do well,” Baraou stated. “Many fighters have issues with pressure. I haven’t seen a fighter who can stand a chance with mine yet. So, I know I can bring a lot of pressure in this fight.”
Baraou also spoke about his hunger for success and his focus on boxing. “Becoming a champion has made me hungrier,” he said. “It hasn’t changed my personal life. I’m still focused on boxing. But seeing all the opportunities and the fights that can be made is amazing. It’s made me more focused and hungrier.”
Acknowledging Zayas’ talent and skills, Baraou remains undeterred. “Xander is very talented. He has a lot of skills,” Baraou admitted. “I’ve shared the ring with him many times. We’ve sparred a couple of times, so I know he has good footwork and lots of skills. But I’ve put the work in, and I’m ready to go to Puerto Rico and become a unified champion.”
Baraou’s mindset is unwavering, regardless of the fight’s location. “I will always be myself in the ring,” he declared. “Even if the fight were in Germany, I’d have the same mindset. I don’t care where the fight is. There’s a man I have to beat to accomplish my goals.”
As the date approaches, the anticipation for this unification bout continues to build. Both fighters are prepared to leave everything in the ring, promising a night of thrilling action for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
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