Abass Baraou could become only the third German after Sven Ottke and Dariusz Michalczewski to hold two major world titles simultaneously.
Abass Baraou could follow in the footsteps of German boxing heroes Sven Ottke and Dariusz Michalczewski – but in his home country, only proven experts know the Oberhausen native. The 31-year-old has the chance to become only the third German to be crowned world champion of two major associations this weekend. “When I look at my career, I’m already making history for myself. But I’m also doing my bit to write German boxing history. I’m delighted that I can set records and make history,”
On Saturday night (4:00 a.m.), WBA champion Baraou will face local hero and WBO world champion Xander Zayas (22 fights, 22 wins) in Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan. However, the super welterweight fight will only be broadcast on the Facebook page of the US promoter Top Rank, which represents Zayas. No one else has acquired the rights for the German market.
Baraou surprised by lack of interest
Baraou is surprised by the lack of interest in his fight. “I don’t know why that is. Boxing in Germany has faded into the background a little. I can’t really explain it. I’m performing well under the German flag. Maybe you have to achieve so much that it can no longer be overlooked,” he said. The unification fight is the biggest opportunity in Baraou’s career so far. Even though the German, who has 17 wins and one defeat in 18 professional fights, is by no means the favorite in his opponent’s country. But that’s exactly what motivates Baraou: “Throughout my entire career, I’ve always felt the urge to win the fight twice, no matter where it takes place.”
After winning European gold and World Championship bronze in the amateur camp, Baraou turned professional in 2018. He became European champion again in 2024 before securing the WBA interim world title in August last year with a points victory over Cuba’s Yoenis Tellez. When superstar Terence Crawford relinquished his world title shortly afterwards, Baraou was promoted.
