Xander Zayas vs Abass Baraou
The long wait has finally ended for Puerto Rican boxing fans. After nearly six years away, local superstar Xander Zayas is returning to San Juan for a massive event. Consequently, the excitement on the island has reached a fever pitch. This is not just a standard homecoming for the young athlete. Instead, Zayas returns as a world champion standing on the very doorstep of boxing history in Xander Zayas vs Abass Baraou presented by Top Rank Boxing.
On Saturday, January 31, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) will face WBA ruler Abass Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs). The high-stakes unification bout takes place at the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
A Historic Night in San Juan
This event marks only the second title unification fight ever held on Puerto Rican soil. At just 23 years old, Zayas has a unique opportunity. If he wins, he becomes the youngest active unified champion in the sport.
Furthermore, he would be the first Puerto Rican boxer to achieve this feat at home. While the crowd will be firmly behind Zayas, Baraou is embracing his role as the “road warrior.” The German champion remains unintimidated by the hostile territory or the magnitude of the moment.
How to Watch the Action
Fans can catch all the action live. The broadcast begins with a stacked undercard featuring rising prospects and seasoned veterans.
- Network: Top Rank Classics (FAST Channel)
- Prelims Start: 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT
- Main Event Start: Approximately 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
- Streaming: Available on Roku Channel, Tubi, Vizio, or at trboxing.co/TopRankClassics.
Zayas Ready to fulfill his Destiny
During Thursday’s press conference, Zayas expressed that this moment is the culmination of a lifetime of work.
“This is what I’ve worked for since I was five years old,” Zayas said. “Seventeen years as a boxer. Seven as a professional. I am ready to become a unified world champion and continue making history. This is the biggest moment of my life. Here is where I belong.”
He also acknowledged his history with his opponent. Although they sparred years ago, Zayas knows Saturday will be different.
“I expect the best version of Abass Baraou,” Zayas added. “We sparred almost two years ago, but now he is a champion. Both of us have grown and learned. Tune in because there will be fireworks.”
Baraou Confident in Enemy Territory
Abass Baraou is no stranger to fighting away from home. He views the pressure as a privilege and believes his experience will be the deciding factor.
“I go wherever I have to go to fulfill my dreams,” Baraou stated. “Winning the title was amazing, but securing that victory opened bigger opportunities like this fight.”
Regarding their past training sessions, Baraou remained practical.
“Everyone knows we sparred, but I don’t give it too much importance,” he explained. “A fight is different. The gloves are different. There is no headgear. It’s just him and me in the ring.”
Undercard Highlights: Polanco and Lopez
The co-main event features a classic Dominican Republic vs. Mexico clash. Undefeated contender Rohan “El Rayo” Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) takes on veteran Christian Gómez (23-6-1, 21 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout.
“I feel like I’m ready. I have a lot of experience,” Polanco said, eyeing a title shot this year. “I just need the opportunity.”
Additionally, the card features a special return. Juanmita López De Jesús, the 19-year-old son of former world champion Juanma López, will face Conner Goade. After recovering from a cut in his last bout, the second-generation star is eager to prove his growth.
Full Fight Card Overview
Main Event (Junior Middleweight Unification):
- Xander Zayas (WBO) vs. Abass Baraou (WBA) – 12 Rounds
Co-Feature (Welterweight):
- Rohan Polanco vs. Christian Gómez – 10 Rounds
Junior Bantamweight:
- Juanmita López De Jesús vs. Conner Goade – 6 Rounds
Junior Lightweight:
- Carlos De León Castro vs. Diuhl Olguín – 6 Rounds
Junior Bantamweight:
- Yadriel Cabán vs. Jeremis Hernández-Torres – 4 Rounds
Middleweight:
- Euri Cedeño vs. Etoundi Michel William – 10 Rounds
Junior Middleweight:
- Giovani Santillán vs. Courtney Pennington – 10 Rounds
