Zayas Triumphs in Puerto Rico: A New Unified Champion Emerges

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Xander Zayas etched his name into the annals of boxing history last night at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. The young Puerto Rican sensation unified the WBO and WBA super welterweight titles in a hard-fought battle against Abass Baraou, becoming the youngest unified world champion in the sport.

The Fight of the Night

From the opening bell, Zayas set a relentless pace, utilizing his superior footwork and a busy lead hand to keep Baraou at bay. Baraou, fighting behind a high guard, struggled to land significant shots due to Zayas’ constant movement and evasive tactics. The first four rounds were a masterclass from Zayas, sweeping the scorecards with cleaner punches and strategic prowess.

Baraou began to find his range in the fifth round, with his right hand landing more frequently. Despite his increased pressure, Baraou’s lower punch output compared to Zayas’ allowed the Puerto Rican to maintain control. Zayas’ ability to stay out of Baraou’s range and pick his shots proved crucial in the middle rounds.

A Thrilling Conclusion

The ninth round saw both fighters exchange hard shots at close range, with Zayas choosing to move along the ropes to avoid the center of the ring. As the fight entered the championship rounds, Baraou’s desperation grew. In the twelfth and final round, Zayas stood toe-to-toe with Baraou, trading blows in a thrilling conclusion that had the crowd on their feet.

When the final bell rang, it was clear that Zayas had done enough to secure the victory. The judges’ scorecards reflected the intensity of the bout, with one judge scoring it 116-112 for Baraou, while the other two had it 116-112 for Zayas. The split decision victory solidified Zayas’ status as a unified super welterweight world champion.

Undercard Highlights

The night was filled with exciting action beyond the main event. Juanmita López De Jesús extended his undefeated record to 5-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Conner Goade in a six-round super flyweight bout. The judges’ scores were 60-53 across the board, showcasing López De Jesús’ dominance.

Carlos De Leon Castro also impressed with a sixth-round technical knockout against Diuhl Olguin. The fight ended at 1:31 of the sixth round when Olguin was stopped standing after a powerful overhand right. Yadriel Caban continued the trend of early stoppages with a first-round technical knockout against Jeremis Hernandez-Torres, dropping his opponent at 1:46 of the opening round.

A Historic Night

Zayas’ victory is a testament to his rapid improvement and maturity in the ring. At just 23 years old, he has already achieved what many fighters only dream of. His ability to make crucial adjustments and his willingness to engage in thrilling exchanges have endeared him to fight fans worldwide.

As the boxing world looks to the future, Xander Zayas stands as a beacon of the sport’s new wave. His unification victory over Abass Baraou is not just a personal triumph but a moment of pride for Puerto Rico and boxing enthusiasts everywhere.