Zayas Triumphs Over Baraou in Puerto Rico: A Historic Night of Boxing

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Xander Zayas etched his name into the boxing history books on January 31st, 2026, at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The undefeated WBO super welterweight champion faced off against the WBA champion, Abass Baraou, in a highly anticipated 12-round light middleweight bout. The fight, which was the main event of the evening, did not disappoint, delivering a night of high-octane action that culminated in Zayas becoming the youngest active unified world champion.

Zayas, boasting an impeccable record of 22-0-0 with 13 knockouts, entered the ring as the No.3 light middleweight in the world. His recent victories over Damian Sosa, Slawa Spomer, and Jorge Garcia Perez had set the stage for this monumental clash. On the other side of the ring, Baraou, with a record of 17-1-0 and 9 knockouts, was ranked No.12 in the light middleweight division. Despite suffering his only loss to Jack Culcay in 2020, Baraou had since secured eight consecutive wins, including notable victories over Sam Eggington, Macaulay McGowan, and Yoenis Tellez.

The fight was a rollercoaster of action, with both fighters showcasing their prowess and resilience. Zayas, fighting in his hometown for the first time since winning his title, had the crowd firmly behind him. The young champion demonstrated his rapid improvement and maturity in the ring, landing a devastating right hand in the ninth round that wobbled Baraou. Although Baraou managed to survive the round, it was a pivotal moment that showcased Zayas’ growing power and precision.

As the fight progressed, Zayas continued to dominate, winning rounds with his aggressive style and technical prowess. The judges’ scorecards reflected his dominance, with scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 112-116 in favor of Zayas. The split decision victory marked a historic achievement for Zayas, who at just 23 years old, became the youngest active unified champion and the first boxer from Puerto Rico to accomplish this feat.

The entire card was free to watch on the Top Rank Classics FAST channel, making it accessible to a wide audience. The main event lived up to its billing, with Zayas and Baraou delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Zayas’ victory not only solidified his status as a rising star in the boxing world but also set the stage for future unification bouts and potential mega-fights.

In the end, Zayas’ hard-fought win over Baraou was a testament to his skill, determination, and the bright future that lies ahead for this young champion. As the boxing world looks on, one thing is certain: Xander Zayas is a name that will continue to make headlines for years to come.