Abass Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) expresses his intent to “pursue his forthcoming adversary” following his triumph over Yoenis Tellez (10-1, 7 KOs), the former interim junior middleweight champion under the WBA banner. This victory came via a 12-round unanimous decision last Saturday, August 23, at the Caribe Royale Orlando, situated in Orlando, Florida.
Enduring Tellez’s Blows
Baraou, aged 30, faced a demanding path to victory, weathering considerable force from the potent 25-year-old Cuban, Tellez. The effects of Tellez’s forceful strikes were evident, with swelling apparent on both sides of Baraou’s face.
The situation appeared precarious as they entered the 12th round, with Tellez displaying strength in rounds 10 and 11, landing significant blows to Baraou’s head. However, in the final round, Abass turned the tide, flooring Tellez after delivering a sequence of 10 uninterrupted punches.
The judges’ scores reflected Baraou’s win, with tallies of 117-110, 116-111, and 115-112.
Aiming for Undisputed Championship
Post-fight, Baraou remained unspecific about his desired next opponent. He is poised for potential elevation to the status of full WBA champion, contingent on Terence Crawford’s decision to defend the title secured a year prior on August 3, 2024. Jaron Ennis, a recent addition to the 154-lb division and currently ranked #2, presents another possibility, should his promoter, Eddie Hearn, seek a challenging match following his tune-up bout on October 11th against Uisma Lima.
Formidable Challengers Loom
- Jaron Ennis
- Bakhram Murtazaliev
- Xander Zayas
- Vergil Ortiz Jr.
- Sebastian Fundora
- Erickson Lubin
- Israil Madrimov
- Serhii Bohachuk
Boxing commentator Kieran Mulvaney of BoxingScene described the encounter between Baraou and Tellez as a “demanding contest.”
Pursuing the Forthcoming Adversary
“Let’s consider the future. I stand prepared,” Abass Baraou conveyed to KGTV following his victory over Yoenis Tellez last Saturday night. “Prepared for any eventuality. I find it enjoyable, naturally,” Abass responded when queried about whether he thought his triumph surprised observers.
Baraou must avoid absorbing the level of punishment he endured last Saturday night, particularly when facing formidable punchers such as IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, Vergil Ortiz Jr., and Serhii Bohachuk. Should Abass face WBC champion Sebastian Fundora, he would need to contend with a high volume of punches.
Unlike Tellez, Fundora maintains relentless pressure and avoids retreating to the ropes, adhering strictly to his corner’s directives—a discipline Tellez lacked. Tellez was instructed to maintain the fight’s center and target Baraou’s body, instructions he neglected.
“Few recognized my potential, which I demonstrated. I am exceedingly proud. Indeed, I could sense it,” Baraou remarked when asked if he perceived a breaking in Tellez’s resolve. “That informed my patience. I paced myself, cautious not to overextend, especially given we were on his turf.”
“I aimed to conclude the fight decisively. I recognized the opportune moments to increase pressure, perhaps stemming from experience. I anticipated that persistent pressure, combined with strategic execution and experience, would ultimately secure victory,” Abass stated. “Arranging any significant fight is straightforward. I am receptive. I am in pursuit of the forthcoming adversary. My journey has only just commenced.”
