Following his defeat in the unification bout against Xander Zayas, Abass Baraou faces his next major challenge. On September 11, the former world champion will face American Giovani Santillan in California.
Following his first loss in more than two years, Abass Baraou is already facing his next major challenge. The former WBA super welterweight world champion will return to the ring on September 11 in Oceanside, California, to face American Giovani Santillan. The bout will take place as part of a ProBox event at the Frontwave Arena.
Baraou (17-2) had made a name for himself on the international boxing scene in recent years with impressive victories abroad. After winning the European championship, the Oberhausen native first secured the WBA interim title against the previously undefeated Yoenis Tellez and was named the regular WBA world champion following Terence Crawford’s move to super middleweight. In January, he finally faced the biggest fight of his career to date. In Puerto Rico, Baraou lost by decision to WBO champion Xander Zayas in a unification bout. Despite the loss, the 30-year-old made a strong impression and made it clear early on that he wants to return to the world’s elite as soon as possible.
Giovani Santillan (35-1) is yet another top-tier opponent. The American made a name for himself primarily with his victory over Alexis Rocha and was long considered one of the strongest welterweights in the U.S. Following his loss to Brian Norman Jr., Santillan is also looking to get back in the mix at the top. For Baraou, the fight offers a chance to showcase his skills once again on the big stage in the U.S. The German is approaching the challenge with confidence: “I want to prove myself again and show my potential. He’s a strong opponent who will demand the best from me.”
With a win over Santillan, Baraou could once again put himself in contention for a world title fight and further solidify his strong position in the U.S. market. The Oberhausen native is already one of the few German professional boxers who regularly compete in major events in the United States.
Text by Robin Josten