Xander Zayas Overcomes Abass Baraou in 154-Pound Unification
Facing the biggest test of his career to date, Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) defeated Abass Baraou (17-2, 9 KOs) by split decision (116-112 Baraou, 116-112 Zayas, 116-112 Zayas) to become the unified 154-pound champion. Baraou applied steady pressure from the opening bell, forcing Zayas to remain sharp throughout. However, Zayas relied on his superior boxing skills, composure, and sheer will to outclass and outfight his foe, much to the delight of the crowd at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
STAYING PUT FOR NOW
As a young fighter whose body is still filling out, some insiders have speculated that the 23-year-old Zayas could soon make the move up to middleweight. Zayas quickly dismissed that notion. Following his victory over Baraou, the pride of Puerto Rico called for fights against Vergil Ortiz Jr., Jaron “Boots” Ennis, and newly crowned IBF champion Josh Kelly. Its clear that his focus remains firmly at 154 pounds.
Staying put is the smart move for Zayas. A showdown with Ortiz, the winner of a potential clash between Kelly and Devin Haney, or WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora would all generate larger paydays and greater exposure than any immediate move to 160 pounds. At junior middleweight, Zayas has both the leverage and the momentum to secure career-defining fights.
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