The undefeated Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) became the WBO 154-pound titleholder and youngest world champion in men’s boxing by defeating Jorge Garcia by unanimous decision in July. Now 23, the Puerto Rican sensation can become the youngest unified world champ in men’s boxing by beating Baraou, the WBA junior middleweight ruler.

Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) became the interim titleholder by outpointing Yoenis Tellez by unanimous decision in August, before he was elevated to full status champion when Terence Crawford challenged for Canelo Alvarez’ super middleweight crown.

Will Zayas have another memorable night in his young, skyrocketing career? Or will Baraou make sure to play spoiler and leave San Juan with two titles to his name? DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory for both men heading into Saturday night’s fight.

Xander Zayas’ Keys to Victory

Maintain a disciplined guard

As talented and skilled as Xander Zayas has proven to be in a short period of time, the WBO junior middleweight world champion still has an area he could grow in.

While looking for his offense, the Puerto Rican star sometimes abandons his guard and gets hit flush because of it.

This has not damaged Zayas yet, but it is a concern that he should remedy before it costs him. Against a fellow world champion in Abass Baraou, Zayas should look to assert and maintain a disciplined guard to limit the punches landed against him.

Alternate between the head and body with volume

Zayas does an excellent job alternating between the head and body or vice versa over the course of a fight. Not only does this grant him points scored and bankable rounds, but it allows the element of surprise as Zayas is capable of shifting gears and extending combinations or sneaking in an uppercut.

Keeping this trend going against Baraou, who can be hit in the pocket, is a must as Zayas can win with pure volume and the alternating of his targets will only help.

Surprise an unsuspecting Baraou

Considering how Baraou sometimes opens up on offense too widely and gets erratic, it only bodes Zayas well to time his fellow champion and blast him with a sharp counter.

Well-timed counterpunches could grant Zayas rounds or end Baraou’s night altogether.

Abass Baraou’s Keys to Victory

Pressure Zayas

Where Xander Zayas will likely pressure with volume, Abass Baraou can pressure with forward fighting force. Closing the space and seeing how Zayas reacts will be information that Baraou can either build on with success or abandon for a blueprint more beneficial.

Still, he must try to lunge with his power jab and see how Zayas handles that pressure.

Keep attempts compact

By keeping his attempts just a bit more compact, Baraou will not allow himself to be countered sharply by a precise puncher in Zayas.

Just being conscious that Baraou can sometimes open up on offense too widely is important for his chances to upset Zayas in San Juan.

Look to clip Zayas in traffic

Just as Baraou can get overzealous in the pocket, Zayas can too. The onus is on Baraou to realize these moments in real time and make Zayas pay with some counterpunching of his own.

Zayas can be hit, especially while being aggressive, and Baraou must exploit these moments with maximum leverage.

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