Xander Zayas unifies WBO, WBA titles with sensational win over Abass Baraou

A self-assured Zayas informs Oscar de la Hoya that he recognizes his ability to sell out Puerto Rican arenas and extends an invitation to Vergil Ortiz, or even Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, to face him on the island.

Zayas now possesses two of the four primary super welterweight championships, and likely holds significant influence over the division’s immediate future — at least for this year.

And, judging by tonight’s exhibition, he has earned this status.

Incredible!

One official scored the contest 116-112 in favor of Baraou, which is quite… unexpected.

However, that score was overridden by the other two judges, who both awarded it 116-112 to Zayas!

An outstanding display from Zayas!!!

WHAT AN ENCOUNTER! What a spectacular conclusion, and what a significant advancement in performance from Zayas!

Round 12: 116-112 — Zayas.

Zayas executes maneuvers that further endear him to fight enthusiasts; despite having the option to play it safe, he persists in engaging, even if it means conceding a round’s momentum with Baraou reclaiming some ground. This is likely too little, too late, unless the judges see the bout much closer than Uncrowned’s assessment.

Round 11: 106-103 — Zayas.

Zayas continues to exhibit his refined capabilities, much to the delight of his loyal supporters, who applaud his movement and the angles he employs to land the precise punch at the opportune moment. Baraou has his moments, but Zayas consistently appears to operate on a superior level in the critical junctures of the contest. Zayas has never performed with such veteran poise.

Round 10: 97-93 — Zayas.

Zayas reaches an apex of fluidity in the ninth stanza, unleashing a barrage of combinations against an adversary in Baraou who simply cannot keep pace — and, truly, in this kind of form, few at 154 pounds might be able to. Zayas, once regarded as a potential weak link as contenders like Vergil Ortiz and Jaron Ennis vie for his position, has demonstrated tonight that he can not only contend with other champions like Baraou but, perhaps, Ortiz and Ennis as well.

Round 9: 87-84 — Zayas.

Zayas mounts a comeback and capitalizes on Baraou, who was attempting to manage the distance. This is an in-form, exceptional Zayas, who steadfastly prevents Abass from closing in on him during this fight, let alone losing it.

Round 8: 77-75 — Zayas.

Baraou accelerates his offensive in the seventh round, and this heightened activity level gave Zayas some concern. An excellent, closely contested round.

Round 7: 67-66 — Zayas.

Zayas secured a Top Rank agreement when he was just 16 years old, and he has evolved under the watchful eyes of Bob Arum and Carl Moretti into not just a global champion, but a titleholder striving for unification, showcasing an unparalleled level of skill. This is exceptionally fluid work from him, earning him the sixth round.

Round 6: 58-56 — Zayas.

A right hand and a left hook from Zayas, varying his offensive bursts in the fifth, catching Baraou off guard. Zayas is in his element, literally in Puerto Rico, and metaphorically in the ring — but his performance isn’t flawless. Baraou connects with a right hand — a strike he has consistently used against Zayas. Zayas concludes with uppercuts, but Baraou remains steadfast. This fight is escalating, folks! Baraou retaliates. There’s that right hand again! He’s deeply involved in this contest!

Round 5: 48-47 — Zayas.

Zayas employs a double jab, landing potent blows to Baraou’s face. Zayas possesses style, agile movement, and exceptional footwork.

Round 4: 39-38 — Zayas.

Baraou delivers a solid jab to Zayas’s mouth, easily forcing his head back early in the third round. Baraou initiates with a left hook and catches Zayas off guard, narrowing the scoring gap with a strong round.

Round 3: 29-28 — Zayas.

Zayas sustained his confident demeanor in the second round, transitioning his attacks from the body to the head, and doing enough to double his advantage.

Round 2: 20-18 — Zayas.

This bout is already proving to be highly technical yet utterly captivating, barely one minute into the opening round. Zayas appears at ease, boxing effectively behind a sharp jab and powerful body shots. What’s even more impressive is that Zayas largely executes these moves while maintaining movement to evade Baraou’s counters.

Round 1: 10-9 — Zayas

Xander Zayas makes his entrance into the ring, and the atmosphere is electric! He commands the crowd’s attention, marking the first time these Puerto Rican fans have witnessed him walk out on their island in six years, and he does so in a world title unification match. The energy is phenomenal! We need more significant boxing events in this hotbed of the sport!

After six rounds of fierce exchanges, Juanmita secures the decision with scores of 60-53 across all three cards! A commendable win, with Lopez now advancing his professional record to 5-0 as a burgeoning talent!

Juanmita, with a cut above his left eye, consistently delivers strikes with maximum force. He winds up powerful right hands, inflicting damage on Goade with body shots. This is a formidable competitor in a brutal contest!

Few promoters in combat sports achieve the success and prolificacy of Top Rank in identifying and nurturing talent — and it appears they’ve replicated that success with JuanMa Lopez Mk2!

And, indeed, this audience adores the JuanMa Lopez heritage!

Olguin voices his displeasure, and the Top Rank announcers challenge the ruling, but the referee confirms it! In the final round, no less! Castro throws six punches, then two more; it’s a relentless assault from the rapidly ascending Puerto Rican, and with the profuse bleeding, the official intervened and ended the contest. Castro overcame a seasoned, cunning veteran!

Castro and Olguin trade blows fiercely in the fifth round! Olguin must also exercise caution, as he’s losing blood all over Castro’s back whenever they fight in close quarters. This is a grim yet compelling battle!

Round 5: 50-45 — Castro.