Zayas vs. Baraou: Junior Middleweight Title unification in Puerto Rico

On Saturday, January 31, 2025, undefeated WBO junior middleweight world champion Xander Zayas (22–0, 13 KOs) will collide with reigning WBA titleholder Abass Baraou (17–1, 9 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round world title unification bout at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

At just 23 years old, Zayas has solidified himself as a true force in the 154-pound division. He most recently captured the WBO crown with a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Garcia in July 2025. Now, Zayas looks to make history as the first Puerto Rican champion to unify junior middleweight titles on home soil.

Across the ring stands Germany’s Abass Baraou, who claimed the WBA interim title with a unanimous decision win over Yoenis Téllez last summer before being elevated to full champion in September 2025 following Terence Crawford’s decision to vacate the belt. Baraou enters the bout determined to spoil the hometown celebration and make his claim as the division’s true champion.

When the opening bell rings in San Juan, only one champion will leave with all the answers at 154.