The busy evening will also have undefeated WBO junior middleweight world champion Xander Zayas clashing with WBA titleholder Abass Baraou in a huge unification fight at 154 pounds. The bout takes place at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Zayas’ native San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Zayas, 23, became the youngest world champion in men’s boxing last July when he defeated Jorge Garcia via unanimous decision to claim the WBO title. Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) will be looking to snatch another title against Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) who became the interim WBA titleholder by outpointing Yoenis Tellez in a unanimous decision last August. He then was elevated to full status champion when Terence Crawford moved up to challenge Canelo Alvarez that September.

Will Zayas dazzle his way into becoming a unified world champion in front of his hometown fans? Or will Baraou play the role of a massive spoiler and leave San Juan with two titles in tow, instead? DAZN News examines who has the edge between the champs in this intriguing bout.

Boxing Styles

At his best, Xander Zayas is working his way into the flow of the fight by alternating to the head and body with the jab, before unleashing hard one-two combinations with clever angles. A slashing uppercut is also part of his multi-tool kit.

All praises aside, in Zayas’ eagerness to spark offense, the WBO junior middleweight champion sometimes abandons his guard and eats punches because of it. Too many in fact.

Meanwhile, Abass Baraou works compact behind a disciplined guard, but has a tendency to get a bit erratic and open with his attempts widely. That could bode well for Zayas’ counterpunching chances and sheer volume.

Edge: Zayas

Power

Neither 154-pound world titleholder is a knockout artist, but both men certainly carry oomph when they piece together combinations.

The push in this category is Zayas’ ability to unload hard bursts of combinations with speed that tend to surprise opponents.

For that, Zayas gets the nod in this category too.

Edge: Zayas

Mental Warfare

Boxing at home could be a great advantage for Zayas as he has coveted a return to San Juan to fight in front of his hometown fans.

However, it can also mark a disadvantage and even a distraction as it brings pressure to a hometown fighter. Plus, Baraou has experience in defeating a fighter on the road as he scored a majority decision over Sam Eggington in England in March 2024.

Still, Zayas seems to be mature beyond his years and prepared to handle this weekend’s spotlight. He ekes out this category.

Edge: Zayas

Who has the edge in Zayas vs. Baraou?

Everything is in place for Zayas to have another memorable night. With it comes great pressure, but DAZN News gives the 23-year-old sensation the 3-0 edge to become the youngest unified world champion in men’s boxing.

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