Boxing enthusiasts, get ready! The highly anticipated Zayas vs Baraou fight preview is here! On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan will be electric as undefeated Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas clashes with the seasoned German champion, Abass Baraou. At stake are the coveted WBO and WBA Super Welterweight titles, promising a night of high-stakes action. This is more than just a fight; it’s a battle for supremacy in the Super Welterweight division. Get ready for an in-depth boxing analysis, detailed fighter profiles, expert predictions, and a statistical breakdown of each fighter’s path to victory. Who will emerge as the unified champion? Let’s dive in!
Mark your calendars! The Zayas vs Baraou date is officially set for Saturday, January 31, 2026. The Zayas vs Baraou location is the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a venue known for its passionate boxing atmosphere. The main event ringwalks are expected around 3:00 AM UTC. For viewers in other time zones, that’s 10:00 PM EST or 7:00 PM PST in the United States, and 3:00 AM GMT in the United Kingdom. This Super Welterweight (also known as Junior Middleweight), 154-pound limit clash will be broadcast by Top Rank Classics. Don’t miss it!
Xander Zayas, a 23-year-old native of Puerto Rico, is not just a fighter; he’s a phenomenon. He enters this fight with a perfect, undefeated record of 22 wins and 0 losses, with a formidable 13 wins coming by way of knockout (22-0, 13 KOs). Standing at 5’ 10” with a 74-inch reach and fighting from an Orthodox stance, Zayas possesses the physical attributes and skill to dominate. He currently holds the WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, a title he captured in July 2025, and his impressive 59% knockout percentage speaks volumes about his power.
Zayas’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s been consistently tested, and he’s consistently passed with flying colors. His last five fights include a dominant unanimous decision victory over Jorge Garcia Perez in July 2025, a TKO win against Slawa Spomer in February 2025, showcasing his power, and unanimous decision wins over tough opponents like Damian Sosa in September 2024 and Patrick Teixeira in June 2024, displaying his boxing skills. Back in December 2023, he secured a TKO victory against Jorge Fortea. Zayas is always improving, a scary prospect for any opponent.
Xander Zayas’s strengths are undeniable. His lightning-fast hand speed, devastating combinations, and constantly improving ring generalship make him a force to be reckoned with. He’s a master of distance control, adept at landing clean, powerful shots while minimizing his own vulnerability. His ability to seamlessly switch between offense and defense keeps his opponents guessing, and his confidence inside the ring is palpable.
Abass Baraou, a 31-year-old seasoned professional from Germany, brings a wealth of experience to this unification bout. His record stands at a strong 17 wins and only 1 loss, with 9 of those wins achieved by knockout (17-1, 9 KOs). At 5’ 10” and fighting from an Orthodox stance, Baraou is a physical fighter, determined to impose his will. He is the current WBA World Super Welterweight Champion, a title he was promoted to in September 2025. His 53% knockout percentage proves he has the power to end a fight early.
Baraou’s recent form reveals a fighter who knows how to win. His last five fights include a unanimous decision victory over Yoenis Tellez in August 2025, securing the WBA Interim World Super Welterweight championship. Before that, he earned unanimous decision victories over Macaulay McGowan in June 2024 and Hugo Noriega in December 2023. He also secured a majority decision against the always-tough Sam Eggington in March 2024, and a TKO win against Ferenc Katona in March 2023. Baraou has proven he can win in different ways.
Abass Baraou’s strengths lie in his vast experience, incredible toughness, and a piston-like jab. He is known for his ability to absorb punishment and maintain his composure under immense pressure. His commitment to body work is impressive, gradually wearing down his opponents round after round. Baraou’s experience in high-pressure situations is a major asset.
| Statistic | Xander Zayas | Abass Baraou |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 23 | 31 |
| Record | 22-0 | 17-1 |
| KO Percentage | 59% | 53% |
| Rounds Fought | 112 | 131 |
| Reach | 74” | N/A |
| Ranking (The Ring) | #5 | #8 |
Analyzing the tale of the tape, Zayas holds key advantages in age, knockout percentage, and his higher ranking suggests he has fought the slightly better level of competition. Baraou has the edge in experience, having fought more professional rounds. The reach advantage will also be an important factor for Zayas to utilize.
This Zayas vs Baraou fight is a classic clash of styles. Zayas is an aggressive, pressure fighter with exceptional hand speed and a knack for landing devastating combinations. He thrives on dictating the pace and overwhelming his opponents with relentless volume. Baraou, in contrast, is a more measured and technical boxer, relying on his precise jab and strategic body work to gradually break down his opponents. He is incredibly durable, experienced, and comfortable fighting at a more calculated pace. This contrast makes this fight so compelling!
For Xander Zayas to secure victory and unify the titles, he needs to capitalize on his superior speed and movement. Controlling the distance, effectively landing his signature combinations, and avoiding prolonged exchanges in close quarters with Baraou are crucial. He must be wary of Baraou’s persistent jab and punishing body shots, maintaining a tight guard and utilizing his agile footwork to stay out of range. A lightning-fast start and unwavering pressure will be key to Zayas’s success.
Abass Baraou’s path to victory lies in leveraging his extensive experience and renowned toughness to weather Zayas’s inevitable early storm. Establishing his jab early in the fight, controlling the center of the ring, and relentlessly targeting Zayas’s body to sap his energy will be paramount. If he can transform the fight into a grueling, physical battle, Baraou’s resilience and experience will give him a significant advantage in the later rounds.
Our prediction leans towards Xander Zayas as the victor. While respecting Baraou’s experience and grit, Zayas’s superior speed, power, and overall athleticism should allow him to dictate the fight’s terms and land the more impactful blows. We anticipate Zayas either securing a late stoppage after wearing Baraou down, or winning by a comfortable unanimous decision after showcasing his superior skills over twelve rounds.
Currently, Xander Zayas is the clear betting favorite at 1/4 (-400), while Abass Baraou is the underdog at 5/2 (+250). These odds reflect Zayas’s perceived advantages in speed, power, and momentum. While Baraou certainly represents a live underdog with the potential to cause an upset, the odds accurately reflect the likely outcome based on the fighters’ respective skill sets and recent performances.
The Zayas vs Baraou undercard is stacked with exciting matchups, ensuring a full night of thrilling action. Keep an eye on Rohan Polanco vs Christian Gomez, Giovani Santillan vs Courtney Pennington, and Euri Cedeno vs Etoundi Michel William. These fights promise to deliver entertainment and showcase the depth of talent in the sport.
Don’t miss a second of the action! The Zayas vs Baraou fight will be broadcast live in the United States and the United Kingdom by Top Rank Classics. You can easily stream the fight via Top Rank Classics on Roku, Tubi, Vizio, and Pluto TV. Best of all, the entire event is absolutely free!
The Zayas vs Baraou fight is set to be an unforgettable clash between a young, hungry lion and a battle-tested warrior. While Baraou’s experience and toughness make him a dangerous opponent, Zayas’s speed, power, and relentless pressure are likely to prove too much. Don’t miss this epic battle for the unified Super Welterweight championship on January 31st!
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