Xander Zayas Retains WBO Junior Middleweight Title with Dominant Unanimous Decision Over Abass Baraou at Coliseo de Puerto Rico

The Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan erupted in jubilation on January 31, 2026, as Xander Zayas retained his WBO junior middleweight title with a commanding unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 119-109) over Abass Baraou in a 12-round masterclass. Zayas’ superior speed, combination punching, and ring generalship completely neutralized Baraou’s power, marking the Puerto Rican star’s third successful defense and further cementing his status as one of boxing’s brightest young talents. Aired live on DAZN and PPV platforms starting at 9:00 p.m. AST after prelims, the bout dominated X trends, with @MostVPPromotions calling it “Zayas’ clinic — Baraou had no answers.” San Juan’s fight-week atmosphere, with a sold-out 18,500 crowd waving Puerto Rican flags and a vibrant Old San Juan fan zone, turned this into a massive homecoming celebration for the 23-year-old champion.

Fight Overview

Zayas vs. Baraou headlined the Most Valuable Promotions card at Coliseo de Puerto Rico, kicking off at 9:00 p.m. AST on DAZN/PPV after undercard bouts at 6:00 p.m. AST. Slated for around 11:00 p.m. AST, the stakes were clear: Zayas, 23, defended his WBO title in his first fight of 2026, while 31-year-old Baraou aimed for his first world championship after a strong 2025 campaign. Bet365 odds listed Zayas as a heavy -600 favorite, with Baraou at +400 as the dangerous underdog. X buzz framed it as “Puerto Rican prodigy vs. German power puncher,” with @DAZNBoxing posting, “Zayas’ speed vs. Baraou’s bombs — San Juan showdown!” The 18,500 fans, fueled by island-wide festivities and a massive weigh-in at Old San Juan, created an unforgettable homecoming atmosphere. X polls leaned 80% toward Zayas.

Xander Zayas The 23-year-old from San Juan, Puerto Rico, entered with a 20-0 record (13 KOs), orthodox at 5’10” with a 72-inch reach. The WBO champion averages 7.8 punches per round at 60% accuracy (Compubox), having won the title in 2024 and defended it twice in 2025. Training at the Most Valuable Promotions gym, X clips showed him honing slick combinations with trainer Manny Robles. His 65% KO rate and elite boxing IQ make him a pound-for-pound rising star, with @MostVPPromotions tweeting, “Zayas is the future — tonight he proves it.”

Abass Baraou The 31-year-old from Düsseldorf, Germany (of Ghanaian descent), carried a 17-1 record (12 KOs), orthodox at 5’11” with a 74-inch reach. The mandatory challenger lands 6.5 power shots per round at 56% accuracy (Compubox), earning the shot after a 2025 knockout win over a ranked contender. Training in Germany, X footage showed him drilling heavy hooks with coach Karsten Röwer. @WBOBoxing noted, “Baraou’s +400 is power upside.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: San Juan explodes as Zayas opens with a sharp jab, using footwork to frustrate Baraou. Abass lands a heavy right at 1:45, but Zayas counters with a left hook at 2:30. Compubox: Zayas 30/48 to Baraou’s 16/38. 10-9 Zayas.

Round 2-3: Baraou presses in Round 2, landing body shots (22/42). Zayas responds with volume in Round 3 (35/55), snapping Baraou’s head back. Scores 20-18 Zayas.

Round 4-6: Baraou traps Zayas in Round 4, landing shorts (24 landed). Zayas outlands 80-62 over 5-6 with slick combinations; Round 6 right hand staggers Baraou. 10-9 Zayas each.

Round 7-9: Baraou rallies in Round 7, landing a big right at 1:30 (25 landed). Zayas reclaims in 8-9, jabbing and moving (45/70). Baraou’s eye swells badly. 10-9 Baraou Round 7, Zayas 8-9.

Round 10-12: Zayas dominates 10-11 with clean boxing (50/80), avoiding Baraou’s power. Final round: Baraou swings desperately, but Zayas’ 32 landed seal it. Compubox: Zayas 235/440 (53%) to Baraou’s 175/390 (45%). UD for Zayas.

Key Moments and Impact

Zayas’ Boxing IQ: 235/440 punches (53% accuracy) completely outclassed Baraou, with clean counters throughout. @MostVPPromotions: “Xander is special.” Baraou’s Power: 175/390 punches showed danger, but 45% accuracy couldn’t land consistently. Fan Reaction: The 18,500 chanted “Zayas!” throughout; X polls 85% predicted his win. Cut Impact: Baraou’s eye swelling from Round 8 impaired vision late.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

Zayas, now 21-0 (13 KOs), declared, “Tim Tszyu or Bivol next — I want undisputed!” His defense nets $1.5M purse, cementing him as junior middleweight’s future. Baraou, 17-2, gracious: “Xander’s the real deal; I’ll be back.” Stock remains solid despite loss. Junior middleweight heats with Tim Tszyu, Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev lurking.

Event Context and San Juan Atmosphere

The card featured Puerto Rican prospect wins co-main; 55% decisions added depth. Fans hyped by island-wide parties; @DAZNBoxing: “San Juan shows love.” DAZN/PPV peaked at 1.4M buys.

What’s Next?

Zayas eyes Tim Tszyu or European contender in 2026. Baraou rebuilds against ranked fighter. This San Juan clinic reaffirms Zayas as WBO champ.

On January 31, 2026, Xander Zayas outboxed Abass Baraou via UD, skill retaining WBO gold amid Coliseo roars. Puerto Rican star shines, as junior middleweight future brightens.