Xander Zayas Dominates Abass Baraou to Unify WBO and WBA Titles
Xander Zayas emerged victorious in a thrilling boxing match on Saturday night, successfully unifying his WBO title with the WBA championship held by Abass Baraou. The match took place at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, where Zayas showcased his growth as a fighter, captivating his hometown fans.
Xander Zayas Becomes the Youngest Unified Champion
At the age of 23, Zayas earned the title of the youngest unified male world champion in boxing today. Known for his impressive shot selection and combination punching, Zayas particularly impressed observers with his exceptional footwork. The fight concluded with a split decision victory, with the judges scoring the bout 116-112, 116-112, and 112-116.
Key Highlights from the Main Event
- Fight Outcome: Xander Zayas def. Abass Baraou via split decision.
- Judges’ Scorecards: 116-112, 116-112, 112-116 in favor of Zayas.
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026.
- Location: Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan.
Baraou displayed significant emotion following the decision, highlighting the intensity of the contest. In his post-fight speech, Zayas expressed a desire to face top contenders like Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron “Boots” Ennis, indicating his readiness to defend his titles against the best in the division.
Additional Fights on the Card
The event also featured several notable bouts, showcasing upcoming talent. Noteworthy performances included:
- Super Welterweight: Giovani Santillan def. Courtney Pennington (Unanimous Decision: 98-92, 97-93, 96-94)
- Middleweight: Euri Cedeno def. Etoundi Michel William (Unanimous Decision: 100-88)
- Super Flyweight: Juanma Lopez De Jesus def. Conner Russell Goade (Unanimous Decision: 60-53)
- Super Featherweight: Carlos Jamil De Leon Castro def. Dihul Olguin (Sixth Round TKO)
- Super Flyweight: Yadriel Caban Gerena def. Jeremis Hernandez-Torres (First Round KO)
Zayas’s success solidifies his position as a key player in the super welterweight division. His enthusiasm for further challenges marks him as a fighter with the potential to disrupt the status quo among elite opponents. For more boxing news and updates, stay connected with Filmogaz.com.
