Homecoming for History: Xander Zayas Eyes Victory in Unification Bout

It only takes seven letters to spell the word, history, but it will likely take Xander Zayas twelve rounds to make it as he returns home to tackle the toughest test of his young career — Abass Baraou.

On Saturday, January 31, WBO Super Welterweight Champion Xander Zayas and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Abass Baraou will meet in a title unification bout at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, the second-ever in the island’s long, rich boxing history. Zayas, a San Juan native, says this isn’t just an opportunity to fight in front of his friends and family, but also an opportunity to do something no other Puerto Rican fighter has been able to do.

“This is the best opportunity of my career, not just because of what’s at stake, but because I’m coming back home in front of my people. It’s been five years, and I’ve wanted to return ever since, but I knew I had to wait for the right moment. Now it’s here on January 31, when I return as a world champion,” he told his promoter, Top Rank, after a training session at Javiel Centeno's Sweatbox Boxing Gym in Florida. “I want to be the first Puerto Rican to unify titles on the island. That’s really important to me because I want to keep making history and building my legacy.”

Zayas, 23, won his first world title in his adopted hometown of New York City last summer against Jorge Garcia Perez, a hungry veteran fresh off of upsetting the previously unbeaten contender Charles Conwell. Following the victory, Zayas was linked to potential fights with Vergil Ortiz Jr., Sebastian Fundora, and Jaron “Boots” Ennis. However, he and his team have opted for the lesser-known, yet dangerous Baraou, who upset the highly favored Yoenis Tellez in Florida last year to win his first world title. Now, fresh off the victory, he will attempt to dethrone yet another unbeaten fighter. Despite the challenges Baraou presents, Zayas insists that he will be up for the challenge.

“Baraou is a good, aggressive fighter. People underestimate him because he’s not well known in the United States, but I’ve shared the ring with him several times in sparring. I know what he brings, and he knows what I bring, so it’s going to be a big test for both of us on January 31,” the WBO champion said. “We’ve prepared for a warrior, someone who won’t stop coming forward. We know he’s going to throw a lot of punches. He’s not a better boxer, faster, smarter, or stronger, but he does have a lot of heart.”

Zayas will put it all on the line on Saturday, January 31, 2026, as he attempts to take one step closer to becoming the undisputed champion of the division. The twelve-round championship fight will be broadcast on Top Rank Classics from Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, beginning at approximately 10 p.m. Rohan Polanco, Giovanni Santillan, and Euri Cedeno will headline the undercard.