The Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou unification bout headlines a major Top Rank Boxing card as Puerto Rican star Xander Zayas (22-0-0, 13 KOs), the youngest male world champion at age 23, defends his WBO junior middleweight title against WBA champion Abass Baraou (17-1-0, 9 KOs) in a 12-round showdown for undisputed status at 154 pounds. Zayas, a homecoming hero in San Juan, brings elite speed, combinations, and youth to the ring, while Baraou, the determined German road warrior of Togolese descent, counters with experience, pressure, and a strong chin. This unification could define the 154-pound division’s future, with Zayas favored heavily in his backyard but Baraou representing a legitimate threat if he imposes his physicality.

Venue Location

The fight will take place at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This 18,500-capacity arena is one of the premier venues in the Caribbean for boxing, known for its passionate crowds and history of hosting major Puerto Rican-led events.

Ring walks are scheduled for 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT (10:30 PM GMT). Ring walks for the main event (Zayas vs. Baraou) are expected around 10:00–11:00 PM ET / 7:00–8:00 PM PT (3:00–4:00 AM GMT on February 1), broadcast live on DAZN PPV and Top Rank platforms worldwide.

Injury Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter as of late January 2026. Both completed full training camps without disruptions. Zayas has focused on sharpness after his active 2025 schedule, while Baraou’s durability (never stopped) remains intact despite a road-heavy career.

Xander Zayas:

No reported issues; fully healthy and cleared for the unification.

Abass Baraou:

No injuries noted; entered camp strong after his WBA title promotion.

Fighter Matchups

This junior middleweight unification features contrasting styles: Zayas’ elite speed and boxing against Baraou’s pressure and physicality.

Xander Zayas (23 years old, 5’11”, 72″ reach, orthodox): A fast, precise boxer-puncher with excellent footwork, jab, and combinations. His 59% KO rate comes from volume and accuracy rather than one-punch power, excelling in controlling distance and countering. He ties up effectively in close range to reset. Weaknesses include occasional vulnerability to sustained pressure if backed up.

Abass Baraou (31 years old, 5’11”, orthodox): A determined pressure fighter with a strong chin and body work. His style involves forward aggression, hooks, and wearing opponents down. He has a 53% KO rate and excels in making fights physical. Weaknesses include slower footwork, which can be exploited by quicker boxers like Zayas.

Key Stylistic Clash: Zayas’ movement and counters vs. Baraou’s pressure and inside fighting. Zayas must use angles and tie-ups to avoid Baraou’s body shots; Baraou needs to close distance and force exchanges.

Strengths/Weaknesses: Zayas’ youth, speed, and home-crowd energy give him an edge in pace; Baraou’s experience (road warrior) and durability offer upset potential if he grinds through early rounds.

X-Factor: Home advantage—Zayas thrives in Puerto Rico; Baraou vows to “conquer” the hostile environment.

Recent Form

Zayas has dominated with consistent wins, while Baraou shows resilience in tough fights.

Xander Zayas (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):

Recent defenses and tune-ups in 2025: Dominant decisions and stoppages, building on his title win.

Form Notes: Undefeated streak with high output, strong defense, and finishing ability. Ranked #5 by The Ring at 154.

Abass Baraou (Last 5: W-W-W-W-L or similar):

Recent title win/promotion: Strong effort vs. Yoenis Tellez; ranked #9 by The Ring.

Form Notes: Solid pressure fighter with durability; 1 loss in career but proven against contenders.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Zayas and Baraou, with no prior head-to-head or shared opponents. Zayas has sparred extensively with Baraou in South Florida camps, giving him familiarity, but Baraou embraces the challenge on enemy turf.

FIGHT ODDS

Xander Zayas                     – 350

Abass Baraou                     + 275

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2025

Euri Cedeno (13-0-1, 12 KOs), the undefeated Dominican middleweight prospect nicknamed “La Bazooka,” faces Etoundi Michel William (16-2-0, 12 KOs), the Cameroonian veteran known as “Camarones,” in a 10-round middleweight clash. This bout is part of the undercard for the Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou junior middleweight unification main event. Cedeno, a former Tokyo Olympian and Top Rank signee, looks to extend his unbeaten streak and showcase his explosive power in front of a Puerto Rican crowd, while William aims to pull off an upset with his experience and knockout ability. Expect a high-stakes test for Cedeno against a dangerous veteran in a fight that could produce fireworks if William lands early or a controlled decision if Cedeno dictates the pace.

Venue Location

The fight will take place at Coliseo de Puerto Rico (also known as Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This 18,500-capacity arena is a premier boxing venue in the Caribbean, famous for hosting major Top Rank events and delivering an electric atmosphere for Puerto Rican and international fighters.

Ring walks are scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT / 1:00 AM GMT on February 1). Ring walks for Cedeno vs. William are expected around 9:00-10:00 PM ET (6:00-7:00 PM PT / 2:00-3:00 AM GMT), broadcast live on ESPN+ in the US and internationally via Top Rank.

Injury Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter as of late January 2026. Both completed full training camps without setbacks. Cedeno has focused on sharpness after his extended activity in 2025, while William’s veteran status suggests he’s entering healthy and prepared.

Euri Cedeno:

No reported issues; fully cleared and motivated for this step-up.

Etoundi Michel William:

No injuries noted; his durability (never stopped) remains intact.

Fighter Matchups

This middleweight bout pits Cedeno’s youthful explosiveness and Olympic pedigree against William’s veteran power and resilience.

Euri Cedeno (age 26, 5’10”-ish, orthodox/southpaw stance per sources): A former Tokyo 2020 Olympian (quarterfinalist for Dominican Republic), Cedeno brings elite amateur foundation, fast hands, and heavy power (92% KO rate in wins). He pressures with volume and finishes fights decisively, excelling in mid-range exchanges and body work. Weaknesses include potential vulnerability if caught by heavier punchers early.

Etoundi Michel William (age 32-33, 6’0″, 76.4″ reach, orthodox): A tall, rangy Cameroonian fighter based in Brazil, William uses reach to set up power shots and has a high KO rate (75% in wins). His style involves forward pressure and durability, having never been stopped. He can struggle against quicker, more precise boxers who maintain distance.

Key Stylistic Clash: Cedeno’s speed and combinations vs. William’s reach and power. Cedeno must close distance without eating big shots; William needs to use height/reach to keep it long and land counters.

Strengths/Weaknesses: Cedeno’s youth, power, and undefeated streak favor him in a firefight; William’s experience (18 pro fights) and chin provide upset potential if he survives early.

X-Factor: Cedeno’s finishing ability—if he lands clean, it could end quickly; William’s durability could force a grind.

Recent Form

Cedeno has dominated in recent outings with stoppages, while William maintains a solid record with power wins.

Euri Cedeno (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):

June 7, 2025: Win vs. Abel Mina (details not specified, but continued unbeaten run).

Earlier 2025: Multiple stoppages and decisions, building momentum post-amateur success.

Form Notes: Cedeno has stopped most recent opponents, averaging short fights with high KO rate and dominant performances.

Etoundi Michel William (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):

Recent years: Consistent wins with KOs, no losses since early career.

Form Notes: William has maintained an active record with power displays, rarely going deep into fights.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Cedeno and William, with no prior head-to-head or shared opponents. Cedeno’s rise as a Top Rank prospect meets William’s veteran journeyman path in a fresh matchup.

FIGHT ODDS

Euri Cedeno                                       – 3000

Etoundi Michel William                + 1400

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2025

Giovani Santillan (34-1-0, 18 KOs), the hard-hitting southpaw from San Diego, California, returns to action against veteran journeyman Courtney Pennington (17-11-3, 7 KOs), the resilient orthodox fighter from El Paso, Texas. This 10-round super welterweight bout serves as a featured undercard attraction on the Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou event, providing Santillan an opportunity to rebound from his 2024 loss and build momentum toward another title shot, while Pennington aims to spoil the party with his experience and upset potential. Santillan’s precision power clashes with Pennington’s durability in a matchup that could end early if Santillan lands clean or grind into a decision if Pennington absorbs and counters effectively.

Venue Location

The fight will be held at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This 18,500-capacity arena is a staple for Top Rank events, known for its vibrant atmosphere and history of hosting high-profile Puerto Rican fighters like Xander Zayas.

Ring walks are scheduled for 5:30 PM EST (2:30 PM PST / 10:30 PM GMT). Ring walks for Santillan vs. Pennington are expected around 7:00-8:00 PM EST (4:00-5:00 PM PST / 12:00-1:00 AM GMT on February 1), broadcast via Top Rank Classics (free on platforms like Roku, Tubi, Vizio, and Pluto TV).

Injury Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into the bout. Both completed full training camps without disruptions, and recent previews confirm no health concerns or setbacks as of January 2026. Santillan has emphasized his conditioning post his 2024 knockout loss, while Pennington’s veteran resilience suggests he’s entering in solid form.

Fighter Matchups

This super welterweight undercard bout contrasts Santillan’s southpaw precision and power with Pennington’s orthodox durability and experience, creating a prospect-vs-veteran dynamic at 154 pounds.

Giovani Santillan (5’8″, 68.5″ reach, southpaw): A technical puncher with a 53% KO rate, Santillan excels in mid-range exchanges, using his jab to set up heavy hooks and body shots. His southpaw stance aids in angles and counters, but he can be vulnerable if drawn into brawls against durable opponents.

Courtney Pennington (5’8″, orthodox): A compact veteran with a 41% KO rate, Pennington relies on forward pressure, body work, and resilience to outlast foes. His style suits grinding wars, but slower footwork leaves him open to quicker, more precise fighters.

Key Stylistic Clash: Santillan’s southpaw counters and movement vs. Pennington’s orthodox pressure and durability. Santillan must dictate range with his jab and angles to avoid Pennington’s inside game, where body shots could slow him down.

Strengths/Weaknesses: Santillan’s youth (34 vs. Pennington’s 39) and higher KO rate provide finishing potential, but his recent loss highlights vulnerabilities to power; Pennington’s experience (31 fights vs. 35) and never-been-stopped chin offer upset value, though his record shows losses to ranked contenders.

X-Factor: Pennington’s durability—if he survives Santillan’s early power, his pressure could force a late-round grind; if Santillan exploits openings, his precision could lead to a stoppage.

Recent Form

Santillan has shown resilience after his first loss, while Pennington alternates wins and losses against solid opposition.

Giovani Santillan (Last 5: W-W-L-KO-W):

May 10, 2025: UD 10 vs. Angel Beltran Villa (dominant decision, rebounding strongly).

December 7, 2024: UD 1 vs. Fredrick Lawson (quick win, though details sparse).

May 18, 2024: L KO 10 vs. Brian Norman Jr. (first career loss, stopped late).

October 21, 2023: KO 6 vs. Alexis Rocha (statement win).

July 22, 2023: UD 10 vs. Erick Bone (solid decision).

Form Notes: Santillan has won 4 of his last 5, with 2 stoppages, averaging ~7.4 rounds per fight recently. His power and volume shine, but the Norman loss exposed chin concerns.

Courtney Pennington (Last 5: L-W-L-W-KO):

September 20, 2025: L vs. Grant Flores (details not specified, but a setback against a prospect).

Earlier 2025: KO 10 in a win (strong finish).

Prior: RTD 6 loss, UD 10 win (mixed results against mid-level foes).

Form Notes: Pennington has alternated outcomes, with 3 wins in last 5 including 1 KO, averaging ~8.7 rounds. His durability stands out, but losses to better competition highlight limitations.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Santillan and Pennington, with no prior head-to-head encounters or shared opponents. Santillan, debuting in 2012, has built his record against rising contenders, while Pennington, also debuting in 2012, has more fights but against varied regional opposition.

FIGHT ODDS

Giovani Santillan                             – 700

Courtney Pennington                    + 500

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2025

IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Bakhram Murtazaliev (23-0-0, 19 KOs), the undefeated Russian powerhouse known as “The Boogeyman,” makes his second title defense against mandatory challenger Josh Kelly (17-1-1, 9 KOs), the British Olympian and Sunderland native with a seven-fight win streak. This 12-round main event headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at Utilita Arena, pitting Murtazaliev’s devastating knockout power and pressure against Kelly’s hand speed, movement, and technical boxing. Murtazaliev enters after a 15-month layoff since his brutal 2024 stoppage of Tim Tszyu, while Kelly seeks his first world title in a high-stakes test. Expect a tense, physical battle where Murtazaliev’s power could end it early if he closes distance, or Kelly’s elusiveness forces a grueling decision.

Venue Location

The fight will be held at Utilita Arena in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom. This 11,000-capacity venue is a premier UK boxing destination, renowned for its electric crowd atmosphere during major domestic and international title fights.

Ring walks are scheduled for 6:00 PM GMT (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT). Ring walks for the main event are expected around 10:00 PM GMT (5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT), broadcast live on DAZN worldwide.

Injury Report

No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into fight week. Both completed full training camps without setbacks, though Murtazaliev’s long layoff raises questions about ring rust rather than physical issues.

Bakhram Murtazaliev:

No reported injuries. Murtazaliev has been inactive since October 2024 but appears sharp in camp, with no health concerns noted.

Josh Kelly:

No injuries mentioned. Kelly has stayed active with a win in June 2025 and full preparation for this title shot.

Fighter Matchups

This junior middleweight title fight contrasts Murtazaliev’s relentless pressure and knockout power with Kelly’s speed and defensive boxing.

Bakhram Murtazaliev (5’11¾”, 6’2″ reach, orthodox): A devastating puncher with a 83% KO rate, Murtazaliev uses a stiff jab to close distance, body work to slow opponents, and explosive power in exchanges. His style overwhelms with forward aggression, but he can be vulnerable to skilled movers if unable to trap them.

Josh Kelly (6’0″, orthodox): A fast-handed boxer with excellent footwork and ring IQ, Kelly relies on movement, jabs, and counters to outpoint foes. His 53% KO rate is lower, favoring decisions, but he struggles against heavy pressure fighters in close range.

Key Stylistic Clash: Murtazaliev’s pursuit and power vs. Kelly’s distance control and evasion. Murtazaliev must cut off the ring to land heavy shots; Kelly needs to box on the back foot and frustrate.

Strengths/Weaknesses: Murtazaliev’s power (19 KOs in 23 wins) and durability give him an edge in chaos; Kelly’s speed and seven-fight streak offer upset potential if he avoids brawls.

X-Factor: Layoff impact—Murtazaliev’s 15-month absence could dull timing, benefiting Kelly’s movement.

Recent Form

Murtazaliev remains undefeated but inactive, while Kelly has rebuilt strongly post-2021 loss.

Bakhram Murtazaliev (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):

October 2024: TKO 3 vs. Tim Tszyu (brutal stoppage, retained IBF title).

April 2024: TKO 11 vs. Jack Culcay (won vacant IBF title).

Form Notes: Murtazaliev stopped 4 of last 5, with high KO rate and dominance, but no activity in 2025.

Josh Kelly (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):

June 2025: KO 1 vs. Flavius Biea (quick stoppage).

Prior wins: Seven straight, including British/International titles at super welterweight.

Form Notes: Kelly has won 7 consecutive, mixing decisions and stoppages, showing improved finishing.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Murtazaliev and Kelly, with no prior head-to-head or shared opponents. Murtazaliev’s path includes elite wins like Tszyu; Kelly’s includes domestic titles but a 2021 TKO loss to David Avanesyan highlighting pressure vulnerabilities.

FIGHT ODDS

Bakhram Murtazaliev                    – 300

Josh Kelly                                            + 225

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2025