Abass Baraou did not get the result he wanted against Xander Zayas in January, but his performance may have accomplished something nearly as valuable for his career.
Seven months after losing a tight split decision to the WBO super welterweight champion, Baraou signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank, the same company that promotes Zayas.
That move says plenty about how Top Rank viewed Baraou in defeat.
“Abass Baraou’s recent performances speak for themselves,” Top Rank President Todd duBoef said. “He defied the odds by dominating Yoenis Tellez for the interim world title, was soon elevated to full champion, and came within a narrow split decision of unifying titles against Xander Zayas in January.”
Baraou (17-2, 9 KOs) had already built a solid reputation before that unification bout. He earned the WBA interim belt by scoring a late knockdown during a unanimous decision win over Yoenis Tellez last August, then was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated.
The Zayas fight gave Top Rank an opportunity to evaluate Baraou against one of its own champions. Although Zayas won, Baraou showed over 12 rounds that he belongs among the better fighters at 154 pounds.
Baraou will not receive a soft touch in his promotional debut. The 31-year-old meets Giovani Santillan in a 10-round main event September 11 in Oceanside, California.
A win over Santillan would give Top Rank another reason to keep Baraou near the top of the division. With Zayas under the same promotional banner, a second fight would also be considerably easier to make if Baraou earns his way back.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/10 at 7:30 PM
