History is on the line in San Juan.
Puerto Rico’s rising superstar Xander Zayas returns home with gold around his waist as he takes on Germany’s relentless Abass Baraou in a junior middleweight unification showdown on Saturday, January 31, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
At just 23 years old, the undefeated WBO world champion has a chance to do something no Boricua has ever done — unify world titles on Puerto Rican soil. This bout marks only the second unification fight ever held on the island, and Zayas is determined to make it unforgettable.
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) captured regional titles in 2022, climbed the WBO rankings with six strong defenses, and fulfilled a lifelong dream last July when he outboxed Jorge Garcia to become the youngest world champion at the time. Now, he’s back where it all began — fighting not just for belts, but for legacy.
Standing across from him is WBA champion Abass Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs), a former decorated amateur who shocked the boxing world by upsetting Cuban standout Yoenis Tellez last August. Baraou sealed that victory with a ferocious 12th-round knockdown and was elevated to full champion soon after. Aggressive, relentless, and hungry — Baraou is no tune-up.
Zayas knows exactly what kind of fight he’s in for.
“This is the best opportunity of my career — not just because of what’s at stake, but because I’m coming back home as a world champion.”
“I want to be the first Puerto Rican to unify titles on the island. That means everything to me.”
“People underestimate Baraou, but I’ve sparred with him. He has heart, he comes forward, and this will be a real test.”
“This is the best camp of my career. I’ve grown physically and mentally. It’s time to make history.”
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with ICON+, Move Concerts, and Noah Assad Presents, tickets are on sale now via Ticketera.com.
📅 Jan. 31
📍 San Juan, Puerto Rico
🏆 WBO vs WBA — UNIFICATION
History. Legacy. Pride.
This isn’t just a fight — this is Puerto Rico’s moment.
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