Xander Zayas Dominates Abass Baraou, Unifies WBO and WBA Titles
Xander Zayas achieved a significant milestone in his boxing career on January 31, 2026. The Puerto Rican fighter unified the WBO and WBA super welterweight titles by defeating Abass Baraou in a thrilling match at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan.
Xander Zayas Unifies WBO and WBA Titles
In front of a passionate home crowd, Zayas, aged 23, demonstrated remarkable skill and determination. Known for his rapid improvement, he showcased exceptional shot selection, combination punching, and impressive footwork. The fight concluded with Zayas winning by a split decision, with judges scoring it 116-112, 116-112, and 112-116.
A Historic Victory
This victory made Zayas the youngest unified male world champion in the sport. Zayas’s ability to outperform Baraou highlighted his growth as a fighter and established his presence in the competitive super welterweight division.
Key Fight Statistics
- Fight Date: January 31, 2026
- Location: Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan
- Result: Xander Zayas def. Abass Baraou via split decision (116-112, 116-112, 112-116)
Post-Fight Reflection
Following his victory, Zayas expressed his desire to face top contenders in the division, including Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron “Boots” Ennis. He emphasized his readiness to take on any challenge and solidify his status among the elite fighters.
Undercard Highlights
The event also featured several notable matches showcasing emerging Puerto Rican talent:
- Super Welterweight: Giovani Santillan defeated Courtney Pennington via unanimous decision (98-92, 97-93, 96-94)
- Middleweight: Euri Cedeno won against Etoundi Michel William via unanimous decision (100-88)
- Super Flyweight: Juanma Lopez Jr. defeated Conner Russell Goade via unanimous decision (60-53)
- Super Featherweight: Carlos Castro stopped Dihul Olguin in the sixth round
- Super Flyweight: Yadriel Caban achieved a first-round knockout over Jeremis Hernandez-Torres
This event not only showcased Zayas’s brilliance but also highlighted the potential of the next generation of Puerto Rican boxers at El-Balad. With his recent achievements, Xander Zayas has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in boxing.
