Xander Zayas marked a pivotal moment in his boxing career by defeating Abass Baraou in a tightly contested match in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This victory not only solidified Zayas’s place as a rising star but also unified the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles.
Zayas, with an impressive record of 23 wins and 13 knockouts, entered this fight as the WBO champion. The judges had differing opinions: two scored the match 116-112 in favor of Zayas, while one judge believed Baraou, who now stands at 17 wins and 2 losses, deserved the win.
After the match, a beaming Zayas reflected on his performance. “This feels amazing,” he said, expressing his confidence even at just 23 years old. He noted a minor injury partway through the fight but emphasized the determination of champions to push through adversity.
The bout was a nail-biter. “I felt anxious when the scores were being read,” he admitted. “I thought I won, especially in the later rounds, but Baraou is a tough competitor.”
Historically, boxing has seen its share of split decisions that sparked debates among fans and analysts. Just last year, the sport witnessed several high-profile fights where judges’ decisions were contentious, leading to discussions about the need for reform in scoring methods. According to a 2023 survey by Boxing News, nearly 60% of fans believe the judging system needs an overhaul to enhance fairness.
Zayas’s previous victory came in July, when he decisively defeated Jorge Garcia. Baraou’s rise to a champion status followed his win over Yoenis Tellez, highlighting the competitive nature of this weight class. As Zayas continues to gain recognition, he might soon face challengers eager to claim his newly unified titles.
The excitement is palpable in both the boxing community and on social media, where hashtags like #ZayasVsBaraou have trended, reflecting fans’ engagement and support. As Zayas forges on, he embodies the spirit of a new generation of boxers who are not just looking to win but also to inspire a fanbase craving thrilling matches.
For more insight into Zayas’s journey and the boxing landscape, check out this article from ESPN.
