What began as countless sparring rounds in South Florida will culminate under the bright lights of home. On January 31, Puerto Rico’s own Xander Zayas and Germany’s Abass Baraou will meet in a 154-pound title unification showdown at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan a high-stakes collision that pits youth, pride, and familiarity in one of boxing’s most anticipated early-2026 matchups.
Two Champions, One Ring — No Headgear This Time
Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs), the WBO super welterweight champion, and Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs), the WBA titleholder, know each other well. The two have logged dozens of rounds together as sparring partners in Florida gyms.