Xander Zayas Claims Unified Title with Close Win Over Abass Baraou
Xander Zayas solidified his reputation as a formidable contender in boxing by claiming the unified junior middleweight title against Abass Baraou. The bout took place on January 31, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Zayas emerged victorious by a split decision.
Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou: Match Overview
In this closely-fought contest, Zayas entered the ring boasting an impressive record of 23 wins and no losses, including 13 knockouts. In contrast, Baraou held a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, with 9 knockouts.
Fight Details
- Date: January 31, 2026
- Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Zayas’s Record: 23-0 (13 KOs)
- Baraou’s Record: 17-2 (9 KOs)
- Judges’ Scores: Two judges scored 116-112 for Zayas, one scored it the same for Baraou.
This fight was significant, as Zayas entered as the WBO champion, adding the WBA title to his collection with this victory. Zayas expressed joy after the match, stating, “This feels amazing.” He emphasized his determination, saying, “I’m just getting started.”
Challenges in the Fight
During the match, Zayas faced challenges, including a hand injury in the later rounds. He remarked, “I had to beat some odd, round nine or so I kind of bother my hand a little bit.” Despite this setback, he showed resilience, honoring the spirit of champions.
Post-Fight Reflection
Zayas acknowledged the close nature of the fight, revealing his anxieties while waiting for the judges’ scores. “I was a bit scared, but to be honest, I think I pulled it off,” he said. He felt confident about winning at least eight or nine rounds, lauding Baraou as a warrior.
Path to Championship
Prior to this encounter, Zayas secured the WBO title in July 2025 by decisively defeating Jorge Garcia. Baraou claimed the WBA interim title in August 2025 against Yoenis Tellez and was later elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the division.
Conclusion
With this victory, Xander Zayas has further established himself in the boxing world, now holding unified titles in the junior middleweight division. His promising career continues to unfold, and fans can expect to see more from this young champion in the future.
