Xander Zayas, World Boxing Organization (WBO) super welterweight champion, will defend his title for the first time in a unification duel against Abass Baraou, the WBA champion, in his native Puerto Rico.

According to journalist Mike Coppinger reported that the fight between Zayas—the youngest champion in boxing today—and Baraou will take place on January 31, 2026, at the Coliseo de San Juan. “Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou have agreed to a deal for a super welterweight title unification fight… Zayas will defend his WBO title while Baraou risks his WBA title,” he reported. Xander Zayas demonstrated maturity and intelligent boxing by defeating Jorge Garcia in his last fight by unanimous decision. With this victory, the Puerto Rican became the youngest boxing champion at 22 years old and solidified his status as one of the sport's brightest prospects. Following the win, Zayas commented that he wanted to make his first title defense in Puerto Rico—where he has only fought once before—and his promoter, Bob Arum, made it happen. Meanwhile, Abass Baraou became the undisputed WBA champion after Terence Crawford left the division after moving up two weight classes and ending Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez's reign, winning the undisputed super middleweight title. Xander Zayas, 22, was crowned WBO super welterweight world champion for the first time, a title vacated by Sebastian Fundora. The Puerto Rican has a record of 22 wins (13 by knockout) and zero losses as a professional. Abass Baraou, meanwhile, is the WBA super welterweight champion following Terence Crawford's resignation. The German fighter has a record of 17 wins (9 by knockout) and one loss.