Abass Baraou warns Xander Zayas that pressure is coming

The super welterweight division continues to be one of the most intriguing divisions in boxing. On January 31 at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, San Juan, Abass Baraou vs Xander Zayas headlines a card promoted by Top Rank, in association with ICON+, Move Concerts, and Noah Assad Presents.

Baraou, the WBA champion, will once again go on the road and challenge the WBO champion Xander Zayas in an intriguing unification clash. Ahead of this Jan. 31 event, Baraou has spoken about the upcoming challenge and fired a warning to Zayas.

Abass Baraou vs Xander Zayas set for January 31

Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and has progressed sensibly throughout his career. On July 26, 2025, he was given the opportunity to fight Jorge Garcia Perez for the vacant WBO super welterweight title. The 23-year-old Puerto Rican won by unanimous decision, with scorecards of 116-112, 118-110, and 119-109.

Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) will present the toughest test of Zayas’ career. The German-born fighter was elevated to the full champion status after Terence Crawford officially vacated the WBA belt to move up in weight and fight Canelo Alvarez. He had secured the interim title by upsetting Yoenis Tellez by unanimous decision.

Abass Baraou feeling confident and fires waring to Zayas

Following a recent training session in Miami, Baraou discussed his skill set and hunger ahead of January 31:

“I haven’t shown what I’m capable of yet. I have a lot of experience from my amateur career. I know how to adapt. If I have to fight more technically, I can. I know how to box. However, most of the time, I break down fighters. I can do that best. But it also depends on the situation. I can also show more skills.

“Coming forward is something I do well. Many fighters have issues with pressure. I haven’t seen a fighter who can stand a chance with mine yet. So, I know I can bring a lot of pressure in this fight. But we’ll see. That might be the key in this fight. We’ll see on fight night.

“Becoming a champion has made me hungrier. It hasn’t changed my personal life. I’m still focused on boxing. But seeing all the opportunities and the fights that can be made is amazing. It’s made me more focused and hungrier.”

Talking about Xander’s ability and his own determination, Baraou said:

“Xander is very talented. He has a lot of skills. I’ve shared the ring with him many times. We’ve sparred a couple of times, so I know he has good footwork and lots of skills. But I’ve put the work in, and I’m ready to go to Puerto Rico and become a unified champion.

“I will always be myself in the ring. Even if the fight were in Germany, I’d have the same mindset. I don’t care where the fight is. There’s a man I have to beat to accomplish my goals. The fight is in Puerto Rico, but it doesn’t add more pressure.”

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