Xander Zayas defeats Abass Baraou to become youngest active unified world champion in Puerto Rico
Xander Zayas earned the title of the youngest active unified world champion with a hard-fought win over Abass Baraou; Zayas moves his fight record onto 23 bouts unbeaten while Baraou lost for just the second time in his professional career
Sunday 1 February 2026 08:22, UK
Xander Zayas defeated Abass Baraou via split decision to become the youngest active unified champion and the first boxer from Puerto Rico to accomplish the feat.
Zayas unified the WBO/WBA junior middleweight world champion on Saturday evening in his hometown of San Juan as he beat Baraou by split decision, with the judges scoring the bout 116-112, 116-112 and 112-116.
"I feel amazing. I'm only 23, and I'm the youngest active unified champion. And, I'm just getting started," said Zayas.
- Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov winner set to get high world ranking
- Fury returns! Why he's coming back and where it could lead
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW
"When I heard the decision, I was a bit scared. But to be honest, I felt I pulled it off. I won at least eight or nine rounds. Maybe he got three or four.
"I hurt my left hand in the ninth round. I was jabbing a lot and he has a hard head, so I hurt my jab hand. But I figured it out, like all champs do. Like I told you before, champions find a way to win."
The 23-year-old used his feet often in the fight, jabbing and landing short combinations. The game plan allowed Baraou to overcommit as he pressed forward, and Zayas responded by landing quick counters and finding the centre of the ring.
In the fifth, Baraou had some success with a series of right hands and seemed to gain momentum, but Zayas stayed composed and continued boxing.
In the ninth, Zayas landed his best shot of the night, a perfect right hand that wobbled Baraou, who survived but was unable to win enough rounds according to two of the judges.
Baraou said: "Congrats to him. I'm proud of his performance. He did an amazing job. He beat me fair and square. He deserves it. I will come back stronger."
