The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation for Xander Zayas’ upcoming WBO 154-pound title defense against Abass Baraou on January 31st. While Baraou presents a formidable challenge, the true excitement lies in the growing chorus of prominent fighters openly expressing their desire to face the young Puerto Rican sensation should he emerge victorious. The names of Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Tim Tszyu, two of the sport’s most electrifying talents, have been repeatedly linked with Zayas, signaling potential superfights that could captivate the boxing faithful.
Tim Tszyu, fresh off a recent victory, wasted no time in throwing down the gauntlet. Speaking to Jai McAllister after his December 17th win over Anthony Velasquez, Tszyu declared his readiness to step into the ring with Zayas. "Boys were mentioning something about Zayas. I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m ready to go now. Give me Xander Zayas now. Let’s go,’" Tszyu stated, adding a provocative jab: "I just beat one Puerto Rican. Let’s go for the main Puerto Rican." This bold challenge from Tszyu, a fighter known for his relentless aggression and fan-friendly style, immediately elevates the stakes for Zayas, even before he has faced Baraou.
However, Zayas cannot afford to look past the immediate threat posed by Abass Baraou. The German contender has carved out a reputation for his granite chin and unwavering aggression, qualities that make him a dangerous proposition for any opponent. Baraou demonstrated these attributes emphatically in his August victory over WBA interim 154-pound champion Yoenis Tellez. In that bout, Baraou absorbed punishing blows from the Cuban contender but relentlessly pressed forward, showcasing a remarkable ability to walk through fire to impose his will. This sheer grit and determination to land his own shots, even at the expense of absorbing damage, is precisely what makes him a significant threat to Zayas.
The tactical battle between Zayas and Baraou is expected to be a fascinating chess match. A key element of Zayas’ offensive strategy is his effective use of the "punch-and-grab" technique, often involving clinching to stifle an opponent’s momentum and control the pace of the fight. Baraou’s willingness to absorb punishment to deliver his own means he will likely need to find ways to break free from Zayas’s clutches. If Baraou possesses the skill and strength to consistently negate Zayas’s holding, he could potentially punish him for it, turning the tide of the fight. Conversely, if he struggles to disengage, Zayas’s methodical approach could lead to a long and potentially frustrating night for Baraou, and perhaps a less-than-thrilling spectacle for the audience. The uncertainty surrounding Baraou’s ability to counter Zayas’s signature tactic adds another layer of intrigue to their impending clash.
Should Xander Zayas successfully defend his WBO title and capture the WBA strap from Baraou, his stock would skyrocket. Becoming a unified champion at such a young age would undeniably make a future encounter with either Ennis or Tszyu an even more monumental event. The allure of a champion versus champion showdown, or a clash of two undefeated or highly-regarded contenders, is a potent draw for promoters and fans alike.
Zayas earned his WBO junior middleweight championship last summer, defeating Jorge Garcia Perez via a 12-round unanimous decision on July 26th. While securing the vacant title was a significant achievement, his performance in that fight was described by some observers as somewhat uninspired, characterized by considerable holding and movement. This style has led to comparisons with Shakur Stevenson, albeit with an increased emphasis on clinching. For Zayas, this approach appears to be a consistent feature of his boxing repertoire. He has been characterized as a fighter who is hesitant to engage in prolonged, toe-to-toe exchanges, a trait that can sometimes dampen the excitement for fans seeking a more aggressive, crowd-pleasing style.
A significant factor contributing to Zayas’s more measured approach may be a perceived lack of concussive power compared to some of his contemporaries. Fighters like Jaron Ennis, Bakhram Murtazaliev, and Israil Madrimov are recognized for their devastating punching power, capable of ending fights with a single, well-placed shot. While Zayas possesses technical skill and ring intelligence, his power doesn’t appear to be his primary weapon for decisive knockouts. This might explain his strategic reliance on clinching and controlling distance, aiming to outpoint opponents rather than overwhelm them with brute force.
The Zayas vs. Baraou showdown is slated to headline a Top Rank-promoted event on January 31st. The fight will hold special significance as it takes place in Zayas’s homeland, at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fighting in front of a passionate home crowd is expected to provide Zayas with a significant emotional boost and an electric atmosphere, further amplifying the importance of this title defense.
The interest shown by both Jaron Ennis and Tim Tszyu underscores Xander Zayas’s rapidly ascending position within the junior middleweight division. Ennis, a dazzlingly talented undefeated fighter, has been actively seeking high-profile matchups, and a bout with Zayas would represent a significant step up in competition and fan engagement. Similarly, Tszyu, the son of boxing legend Kostya Tszyu, has established himself as a legitimate threat in the division and views Zayas as a prime target.
The path forward for Xander Zayas is one paved with both immediate challenges and the tantalizing prospect of future superfights. His upcoming bout against Abass Baraou is more than just a title defense; it’s a crucial stepping stone that will determine his readiness to face the elite contenders clamoring for his attention. If Zayas can navigate the aggressive style of Baraou and continue his ascent, the boxing world will undoubtedly be treated to some of the most anticipated matchups of the coming years. The narrative is clear: win against Baraou, and Xander Zayas could very well find himself in the center of the biggest fights boxing has to offer.
Chris Williams is a senior writer for Boxing News 24, covering the sport since 2013 and reporting ringside from major events worldwide. His coverage dives into both established champions and hungry prospects battling for recognition. Over the years, Chris has contributed to numerous leading boxing outlets, earning respect for his sharp analysis and insider perspective.
