Zayas vs Baraou Predictions: Xander Zayas is the one in San Juan

WBO super welterweight champion Xander Zayas and WBA titlist Abass Baraou look to unify their crown this Saturday, January 31. The bout is a homecoming for Puerto Rican Zayas, with this 154lbs clash taking place at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, San Juan. Top Rank Classics carry the event in the States, but a UK broadcaster is yet to be announced.

Read on for my Zayas vs Baraou predictions.

Zayas vs Baraou Odds

Zayas is 1/4 to leave with both belts in this one. Baraou is a champion in his own right but has to make do with 10/3 in the markets. The draw is marketed at 16/1.

Zayas vs Baraou Fight Preview

This weekend is pivotal for the super welterweight division, as three of the four main champions defend their titles. Monday morning could have a whole different look at 154lbs.

First, Sunderland’s Josh Kelly tries to prise the IBF crown from the fearsome head of Bakhram Murtazaliev. Then WBA champion Baraou goes into the lion’s den against Puerto Rican son Zayas, who puts his own WBO strap on the line. One or possibly two of the four major titles could have new owners very soon. Barring a draw, either the WBA or WBO will be minting a new title belt before the weekend is over.

It is incredible to think Zayas is still only 23 years of age. Now making his home in Sunrise, Florida, the 22-0 pugilist shed the ‘prospect’ label in his last outing, making good on the promise most have seen in him for years.

In July, Zayas claimed the vacant WBO belt with a points decision over Jorge Garcia Perez. The Mexican is no joke. He’d earned his opportunity with a split decision upset over unbeaten Olympian Charles Conwell. Garcia justified his billing with an intense, front-foot performance that kept Zayas working.

But the youngster performed admirably, using ring generalship, speed and a touch of grit to take a deserved unanimous decision. The way Zayas weaved to open up the body of Garcia was elegant in the extreme. Stylish violence from the San Juan showstopper.

There had been whispers of flat-track bullying from Zayas before winning the title. But he was beating good men, albeit making it look a touch easy which explains the itchy feet some had to see him moved quicker. But wins over the solid likes of Roberto Valenzuela Jr, former WBO champion Patrick Teixeira and unbeaten, world-ranked Slawa Spomer are exactly what you want to see from a fighter on the rise.

It is hard to criticise Top Rank. They have steered a 23-year-old of immense promise to a world title. That is the name of the promoting game, at the end of the day.

It is hard to call a former European Amateur Champion and World Amateur Championships bronze medalist a well-kept secret. But British fans feel this way with Baraou, the German fireball who has fought and won four times in the UK. 

Baraou’s 2019 stoppage of former Commonwealth champion John O’Donnell put those in the know on notice. A furious battle with ultimate warrior Sam Eggington two years ago, which Baraou won on a majority decision, showed sinew as well as schooling.

Few who saw that festival of fury would ever back against Baraou again. But the German was a big underdog in his last fight, for the vacant WBA super welterweight crown. 

In my preview I expressed concern over whether Yoenis Tellez, the undefeated Cuban feted for a coronation, could match the engine of Baraou. So it proved, as the underdog knocked the favourite down in the 10th round before winning the title on points.

This is a real fight for Zayas, something his greatest detractors suggest he has not had enough of. Poppycock. The WBO champion deserves his belt and this platform in Puerto Rico. But Baraou deserves his place on the podium too. Which is how all unification fights should be.

Zayas vs Baraou Full Card

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Zayas vs Baraou Prediction

I know I cautioned against picking against Baraou above. I do think the German is an admirable talent and a deserving world champion. But Zayas is truly special. He has finesse, not flash. A solid grounding from which he springs forth without affectation, but with perspiration.

I can see a distance fight in this one. One that perhaps tests facets of Zayas’ game that Messrs Teixeira, Garcia and Spomer did not find. But there is plenty in this San Juan tank. I’m picking Zayas to do the deed at 1/4.

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