Xander Zayas Makes History
The Coliseo de Puerto Rico erupted on January 31, 2026, as Xander Zayas etched his name into boxing history. At just 23 years old, the San Juan native defeated Abass Baraou to become the WBO and WBA junior middleweight world champion. This victory makes Zayas the youngest active unified champion and the first Puerto Rican to achieve this feat on home soil.
A Tactical Masterclass in San Juan
From the opening bell, Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) showcased elite maturity. He utilized constant mobility and a sharp jab to dictate the pace. While Baraou (17-2, 9 KOs) remained aggressive, Zayas countered brilliantly, consistently controlling the center of the ring.
The fight reached a fever pitch in the ninth round when Zayas landed a thunderous right hand that wobbled Baraou. Despite a late-round injury to his left hand, Zayas maintained his composure. While one judge saw the fight for Baraou, the remaining two scored it 116-112 for Zayas, sealing his historic win.
Perseverance Through the Pain
“I felt I won at least eight or nine rounds,” Zayas stated post-fight. He admitted to hurting his lead hand late in the match but noted that “champions find a way to win.” His resilience solidified his status as the new face of Puerto Rican boxing. Even Baraou showed immense respect, praising Zayas for a clean and deserved victory.
Rising Stars Shine on the Undercard
The night featured more than just the main event. Juanmita López De Jesús improved to 5-0 with a dominant unanimous decision over Conner Goade. Additionally, Carlos De Leon Castro secured a gritty TKO in the sixth round against Diuhl Olguin. Meanwhile, prospect Yadriel Caban thrilled fans with a devastating first-round knockout.
This historic night in San Juan proved that the future of boxing belongs to Puerto Rico. With Zayas leading the charge, the junior middleweight division has a new, formidable king.
