Following the headlining bout of ProBox TV’s second Championship Series telecast, Baraou (18-2, 9 KOs) secured the vacant WBO Intercontinental junior middleweight championship.
At certain moments, Santillan’s more precise boxing caused difficulties for Baraou. However, maintaining that momentum proved difficult for him. Whenever the lefty started to establish a rhythm, he surrendered the initiative by hesitating, which permitted his physically stronger opponent to press him back to the ropes.
Baraou captured the opening two rounds through constant pressure and high work rate. Although Santillan adjusted his distance in the third round, he was caught by a crisp counter right hand as Baraou declined to let him take charge of the pace.
Baraou’s relentless forward movement dominated the fourth frame. In the fifth, Santillan ignited the hometown crowd by pinning the German fighter against the ropes and launching a two-handed assault.
Rather than capitalizing on that success, Santillan became inactive during the sixth round. Baraou initiated and closed the exchanges while physically forcing him across the canvas, a trend that came to define the entire matchup.
Santillan showed signs of life in the seventh before turning in a strong performance in the eighth, forcing Baraou to pursue him while walking him into counter punches. However, this was followed by another detrimental lapse. Santillan was largely inactive in the ninth round as Baraou mocked him and gestured for him to engage.
It was an unusual approach for a fighter performing in front of his hometown fans with a prestigious regional title up for grabs.
Finishing the tenth round in dominant fashion, Baraou stalked Santillan and punished him with lengthy combinations. The ex-WBA champion appeared to be the competitor with the greater desire for victory. In contrast, Santillan seemed to hope that a handful of clean sequences would offset the vast periods in which he was dominated.
“I carry confidence with me wherever I fight, you know? If there is a ring, I will figure out a way to get the victory,” Baraou remarked following the bout.
“This marks my journey back to a world title, and I am prepared for any chance that comes my way. Tonight was the perfect opening step on my path to becoming a champion once more. Within a year, you will be referring to me as a multi-time world champion.”
This victory marked Baraou’s return to action following a split-decision defeat to Xander Zayas in their WBA-WBO unification bout back in January. For Santillan, this setback halted his three-fight winning run, marking another tough defeat after his stoppage loss to Brian Norman Jr. in May 2024. The Santillan-Baraou card was co-promoted by Top Rank.
Luis Alberto Lopez Dominates Daniel Lugo
Ex-IBF featherweight titleholder Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez made an explosive debut in the junior lightweight class, securing a stoppage over Daniel Lugo at the 1:18 mark of round three.
A powerful left hook from Lopez (33-3, 20 KOs) staggered Lugo near the end of the second frame. While a low blow paused Lopez’s onslaught, Lugo’s respite was short-lived. About thirty seconds after action resumed, Lopez floored him with a clean left hook to the body.
The punishment persisted into the third frame. Lopez trapped Lugo (28-5-1, 19 KOs) along the ropes, unleashing a barrage of head and body shots until referee Ray Corona intervened to halt the contest.
Lopez had logged just four rounds of ring time since his knockout loss to Angelo Leo, which cost him his IBF featherweight crown in August 2024. He displayed virtually no ring rust against Lugo, though this was precisely the sort of matchup he was expected to dominate handily.
“I was incredibly eager to get back in the ring,” Lopez stated. “My goal was to secure a match against a reigning world champion for this event. Regrettably, none were free to fight. Nevertheless, I am thrilled to put on a show here tonight.
“I want to express my gratitude to all of my supporters. I understand how challenging it is to travel across the border nowadays, but I guarantee you that I will hold a world title once more.”
In a separate 10-round junior lightweight contest, Dominic Valle earned a unanimous decision victory over Francois Scarboro Jr. following an intense, competitive battle.
