On Saturday January 31, Xander Zayas returns to action as he looks to defend his WBO super welterweight world title in a unification against WBA world champion, Abass Baraou.
Zayas faces Baraou live from San Juan, Puerto Rico on Top Rank Classics in the USA and on Top Rank’s Facebook page in the UK.
At just 23-years-old, Zayas is the youngest active male world champion in boxing.
The Puerto Rican has impressed with his fast hands and remains unbeaten going into the fight.
Zayas has built real momentum after a string of wins, including his most recent against Jorge Perez in July last year.
It was this win against Perez where he became world champion in New York.
He faces seasoned challenger Baraou, and current WBA world champion, who carries both amateur and professional pedigree.
Baraou was last in action against Yoeniz Tellez, winning a decisive unanimous decision, dropping him in the final round.
The days are numbered.
Xander Zayas. At home. In Puerto Rico.
Defending his title — and coming for unification.History doesn’t wait… and neither does he.
pic.twitter.com/bwLUU1RiAW
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) January 29, 2026
Prediction: Zayas’ speed and youth should carry him through; expect a clear decision.
Euri Cedeno vs Etoundi Michel William
Euri Cedeno vs Etoundi Michel William takes place at middleweight in the co-main event.
Cedeno (13-0-1, 12 KOs) enters the ring unbeaten and has shown his power so far, with 12 knockouts to date.
He takes on William (16-2, 12 KOs), another heavy-hitter who comes straight off a loss to Troy Isley.
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Prediction: Cedeno by stoppage.
Remaining Undercard
Giovani Santillan’s class should prevail against Courtney Pennington at welterweight.
Santillan (34-1, 18 KOs) has won three in a row since a 10th round knockout loss to former welterweight titlist, Brian Norman Jr.
Rohan Polanco returns to action against Christian Gomez (23-6-1, 21 KOs) and comes off a unanimous decision victory over Quinton Randall at Madison Square Garden last year.
Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) has size and power; expect an early finish.
20-year-old prospect, Juanma Lopez De Jesus (4-0, 2 KOs) is our favourite to stop Conner Russell Goode (8-4-2, 7 KOs) on Saturday.
He has impressed since his debut in February last year, picking up two stoppages in his four wins.
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Carlos Jamil De Leon Castro (6-0, 5 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line in Puerto Rico and should halt 37-year-old Diuhi Olguin (17-47-7, 10 KOs).
The Mexican has fought 73 times in his career and comes off six successive defeats.
Yadriel Caban Gerena (2-0, 2 KOs) should have enough to halt Jeremis Hernandez-Torres (2-2) in their four-round contest to kick off the night.
