Germany’s boxing world champion Abass Baraou wants to unify the WBA and WBO world titles and will face Xander Zayas in Puerto Rico on January 31, 2026.
Now it’s fixed: Abass Baraou, WBA World Light Middleweight Champion, will fight a unification bout against WBO title holder Xander Zayas on January 31. According to Zayas’ promoter Top Rank, the unification will take place at the “Coliseo de Puerto Rico” in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“The true number one in the halfway house”
“Xander is a great talent. I have the utmost respect for him for taking on this challenge and accepting this fight,” said Baraou. He already had words of praise for his multiple sparring partner in an interview with BOXSPORT. “His country is behind Xander and I respect that,” said the WBA champion from Oberhausen. He is now preparing to travel to Puerto Rico to really step on the gas “and show the world who really is the number one in the half-middleweight division”.
Baraou (17-1, 9 knockouts) had prevailed against Yoenis Tellez in August, winning the WBA interim title when he defeated the Cuban by unanimous decision on points. Baraou even sent his opponent to the floor in the closing seconds of the twelfth round. After Terence Crawford relinquished his title halfway through the fight against Canelo Alvarez, Baraou was upgraded to regular world champion by the WBA.
The 31-year-old with Togolese roots has won five fights in a row outside Germany. Including a points win against Sam Eggington in England in 2024, which secured him the European title.
Zayas already world champion at the age of 22
The career of Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 knockouts) is also remarkable. The teenager made his professional debut at the age of 17 in Reno, Nevada (USA). Zayas then steadily boxed his way up the rankings. As the WBO’s number one, he defeated the German Slawa Spomer in New York in February by T.K.O. On July 26, the young Puerto Rican finally captured the association’s vacant world championship belt with a unanimous points victory over Jorge Garcia Perez.
“On January 31, we will fulfill another dream,” explained Zayas. “This time I’ll be fighting on my island. I will unify two world titles in front of my fans. We will make history together!”
“Baraou a determined champion”
“From the moment Xander Zayas won his world title, it was clear that his first title defense had to take place in Puerto Rico,” added Top Rank boss Bob Arum. “The fact that he is now facing another champion in front of a sell-out crowd in San Juan makes the fight all the more special.” However, the promoter legend also warns that this fight should not be taken lightly: “Abass Baraou is a determined champion and an experienced fighter.”
Text: Frank Schwantes