Xander Zayas defeats Baraou unifies WBA and WBO titles

Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KO) unified WBA World and WBO World super-welterweight titles. Zayas on Saturday night in San Juan, Puerto Rico defeated Abass Baraou (17-2) of Germany in a unification fight via split decision.

Two judges scored fight 116:112 for Zayas and one scored 116:112 for Baraou.

Baraou in the fight entered as WBO champion and Baraou was WBA champion.

23-year-old, Zayas is now the youngest unified world champion in boxing today.

“I want the camera to show this coliseo, this thing is packed. Oscar [De La Hoya], we can sell in Puerto Rico. So next time, make sure you don’t put up more excuses,” Zayas said before declaring his desire for unification bouts.

“I’m speaking to whoever in the division. Vergil [Ortiz], Boots, Sebastian [Fundora]. [Josh] Kelly just won tonight. If he wants to get it on by the summer, I would like to invite him to Puerto Rico or New York.”

The fight was much wider than a split decision, with Baraou acknowledging he didn’t feel like he had done enough to prevail post-fight.

“He did an amazing job,” an emotional Baraou conceded. “Beat me fair and square. I like him, am proud of his performance. Such a young guy, unified world champion, he deserved it.”