Xander Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) and Abass Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) will soon put their respective world titles at stake against each other.
Zayas’s WBO and Baraou’s WBA super welterweight world titles will both be on the line. The two boxers spoke at a press conference ahead of their Jan. 31 contest. Below is some of what they had to say.
Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou press conference quotes
Xander Zayas
“This is what I have been working for since I was 5 years old,” said Zayas. “Seventeen years as a fighter, seven as a pro. [I got a] world title in my last fight at 23. I’m ready, on Saturday night, to become unified world champion and keep making history. This is moment for me is the biggest and best moment of my life. I deserve to be here. I worked hard to be here. This is where I belong.”
“I’m expecting the best version of Abass Baraou. I’m expecting something I haven’t seen before. We sparred almost two years ago. But he’s a champion now. And we both have grown and learned. We’ve also experienced different things. So, I’m expecting the best version of him because he’s going to get the best version of me. That’s for sure.”
Abass Baraou
“I go everywhere to make my dreams come true,” said Baraou. “I’ve been doing the work for a long time. Being here is amazing. And I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
“Winning the title was amazing. It was one of my favorite moments so far. I worked so hard for this moment. It was hard to get there. As you can tell, my team was happy as well. And securing that win opened up bigger opportunities, like Saturday’s fight. So I really enjoyed that moment.”
Fight prediction
Zayas is arguably fighting his toughest opponent in the professional ranks to date. Baraou has plenty of experience and the ability to makes things tough for his opponent. This will be his ninth time fighting outside of his home country. Although Zayas has shown a considerable amount of talent at such a young age, his lack of power has prevented him from getting wins via stoppage. He should still have what it takes to outbox Baraou, but it will not be easy. Expect a unanimous decision victory for Zayas.
Full press conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.
