Vinny's Corner

The super welterweight division is set for a high-stakes unification bout this Saturday, January 31, 2026, as undefeated Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Germany’s Abass Baraou at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan.

This 12-round clash pits Zayas’ WBO title against Baraou’s WBA belt, promising an explosive mix of youth, power, and international flair. With both fighters in their prime and the crowd firmly behind the local hero, this could be a defining moment for the 154-pound class. Let’s break it down.

Breaking Down the Fighters

Xander Zayas, the 23-year-old phenom from San Juan, Puerto Rico, enters the ring with a perfect professional record of 22-0, including 13 knockouts. Standing at 5’10” with a 74-inch reach, Zayas fights out of the orthodox stance and has been a standout prospect since turning pro in 2019 at just 17 years old.

Zayas’ style is that of a polished boxer-puncher, blending sharp technical skills with legitimate knockout power (a 59% KO rate). 9 12 He’s known for his fluid combinations, excellent footwork, and ability to adapt mid-fight. His amateur background—over 100 fights—has honed his ring IQ, allowing him to outbox opponents while setting up devastating counters. Recent wins include a TKO over Roberto Valenzuela Jr. and a KO against Jorge Fortea, showcasing his growth against tougher competition.

Promoted by Top Rank, Zayas has been carefully groomed as the next Puerto Rican star, drawing comparisons to legends like Miguel Cotto. His size and frame suggest he could dominate at 154 for years, and fighting in front of a home crowd adds an intangible edge

Abass Baraou, a 31-year-old German-French fighter based in Berlin, brings a record of 17-1 with 9 knockouts to the table. At 5’9.25″, he’s slightly shorter than Zayas but compensates with relentless pressure and a 50% KO rate. Baraou turned pro in 2018 after a strong amateur career, including representing Germany at the 2016 Olympics.

Baraou’s approach is aggressive and forward-marching, relying on volume punching and body work to wear down opponents. He’s durable, with solid chin and stamina across 131 professional rounds. His lone loss came early in his career, but he’s since rebounded impressively, capturing the WBA interim super welterweight title with a points win over Yoenis Tellez and later being elevated to full champion. Key victories include a decision over Sam Eggington for the European title and a dominant performance against Jack Culcay.

As an underdog in this matchup, Baraou’s experience against European-level competition could help him navigate the pressure of a hostile environment. He’s been vocal about his confidence, viewing this as his chance to shock the world.

Analysis and Official Pick

This unification fight boils down to styles: Zayas’ technical finesse and home-field advantage versus Baraou’s gritty pressure and veteran savvy.

Zayas, at 23, is the fresher fighter with superior speed and reach, which should allow him to control the distance early and pick apart Baraou from the outside. His power has improved, and in front of a raucous Puerto Rican crowd, expect him to feed off the energy for a strong performance.

Baraou won’t make it easy, he’s a real threat at 154, as noted by boxing insiders. His forward style could force Zayas into uncomfortable exchanges. If he closes the gap and turns this into a phone-booth brawl, his body shots and volume could wear down the younger champ. Betting lines reflect this, with some seeing value in Baraou as a +475 underdog.

That said, Zayas’ undefeated run and rapid development give him the edge. I predict Zayas grinds out a unanimous decision victory after weathering some early storms, unifying the titles and solidifying his status as a top contender. It might go the distance, but don’t rule out a late stoppage if Baraou tires.

Where to Watch

The event streams live on the Top Rank Classics channel in the U.S., accessible for free on platforms like The Roku Channel, Tubi on your smart TVs. Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT, with the main event ring walks expected around 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. No subscription or pay-per-view fee is required—it’s ad-supported streaming.

The undercard features promising matchups, including Dominican sensation Rohan Polanco vs. Christian Gomez, Giovani Santillan vs. Courtney Pennington, and more, making for a full night of action. For international viewers, check local broadcasters or Top Rank’s official site for availability.

This fight has all the makings of a classic—don’t miss it as the super welterweight landscape shifts in 2026.

By Vincent

Photo courtesy of Top Rank Boxing