Abass Baraou has made it to the boxing throne – the WBA has promoted the German to become the new full-fledged champion at half-middleweight.
On August 23rd, Abass Baraou (17-1-0, 9 knockouts) claimed the interim WBA world championship at half-middleweight with a great performance against defending champion Yoenis Tellez. With this victory, the fighter from Oberhausen has finally established himself among the world’s best. The exceptional fighter has now even been officially upgraded to full world champion by the oldest world boxing association.
Baraou succeeds Crawford
The previous title holder Terence Crawford from the USA dethroned super middleweight world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez with a unanimous points victory on September 13 in Las Vegas. In accordance with WBA rules, Crawford was stripped of his half-middleweight belt after moving up a weight class – and 30-year-old Baraou, the reigning interim champion, was declared world champion.
“It’s a dream come true for me! I’ve always fought to become world champion,” explained Abass Baraou. “I’ve finally achieved that now.” The Oberhausen native already knew before his fight against Tellez that he was very likely to become the full WBA world champion in the middleweight division. “Nevertheless, the confirmation is simply amazing! I can hardly wait to defend my title now.” Baraou spoke about his plans in an exclusive interview with BOXSPORT.
“Real Big Fights in America!”
Kalle Sauerland was also delighted with the good news. “With the victory against Tellez and the upgrade to WBA world champion, Abass has finally arrived in the absolute elite of the sport.” This is totally deserved and Germany finally has a world champion again. The boss of Wasserman Boxing, who once made Baraou a professional at Sauerland Event, sees a great future for his protégé. “Some of the biggest stars from the USA are boxing in his weight class. That gives us the opportunity for real big fights in America!”
Text: Frank Schwantes