Xander Zayas kicking off 2026 with a unification fight at home says plenty about where his head’s at. No soft touch, no gentle welcome party, just a proper fight with another champion. That’s rare these days, especially when a kid’s only 23 and already carrying half an island on his shoulders. But Zayas has never been the type to take a laid-back road anyway.
It also helps that Puerto Rico hasn’t had one of these unification nights since Calderon–Segura back in 2010. So yeah, the place is starving for something real. Coliseo de Puerto Rico has seen proper nights, legends walking through the tunnel, fans turning the building into a furnace. Now they’re waiting for the next one to belong to.
Is Zayas Walking Into A Celebration Or A Real Test?
The pressure on Zayas is no joke. Fighting in New York is one thing, but walking out in San Juan with everyone expecting you to deliver is another level entirely. And he knows it. He didn’t even bother pretending otherwise when he said he wanted to “make history at home.” Fair enough, but that comes with expectations that don’t care about your age or record.
His rise has been tidy so far. Turned pro at 17, picked up regional straps, kept improving, no big dips, no fights where he looked lost. The Garcia win showed he can handle a man trying to ruin his night, not just someone turning up for a payday. But this one? Different vibe. No hiding behind “development years” now.
Then you look at the corner opposite him and realise this isn’t some kid from a padded card. Abass Baraou knows exactly what he’s stepping into and doesn’t care. He’s boxed in Germany, England, wherever they’ve sent him. Lost once in a close one, then quietly built himself back up and nicked the WBA belt off a lad people thought would beat him. He doesn’t talk much rubbish, but when he does talk, you hear a bloke who actually believes he can flip the island upside down.
Why Baraou Is Not Turning Up To Play Tourist
People hear “German champion” and think tidy technique and not much grit. Wrong. Baraou can fight. He’s awkward, patient, a bit stubborn in a good way. Loves going the distance. Doesn’t get fazed by noise or crowds. When he says he’s coming to make a statement, it actually sounds like a man who’s packed his bags, booked a seat and is planning on causing trouble, not someone looking for a holiday selfie.
And he’s right about one thing: not many lads at 154 would voluntarily take this fight in San Juan. Zayas didn’t have to. He could’ve taken something safer. Instead, he’s decided to test himself in front of every auntie, cousin, school friend, and taxi driver in Puerto Rico. If he wins clean, he’s made. If he stumbles, everyone will have something to say on Monday.
The undercard brings its own little story. Juanmita Lopez De Jesus, son of Juanma, is back again. He’s still young, still figuring it out, but he’s been grinding through his early fights without cutting corners. Fighting at home again will feel good, but also heavy — especially when your dad used to blow the roof off the same building. No pressure, lad.
Straight-down-the-middle view.
If Zayas wins, it’s a serious notch at 23. If Baraou ruins the night, nobody can call it a fluke. And honestly? That’s exactly what boxing needs: a proper fight where both lads might have to climb out of a hole at some point. No safety nets. No excuses.
‘Making history’ only sounds good after the win 😅 If Baraou shows up with heart, nobody gonna care about how many cousins in the crowd cheering for Zayas.
‘Unifying at home’ sounds cool until everyone turns on you if things go wrong 😤 That kind of crowd ain’t cheering if he starts losing rounds, they’ll start blaming him quick.
Zayas should of waited longer before trying to unify titles. Just cause you beat a couple names don’t mean you ready for big dogs yet 😒 They rushing him too fast.
True bro! One mistake and he gonna be a has-been before he turns 25. Ain’t no shame in building slow and smart.
‘Cause these promoters just want money quick, not care about the kid’s future 💸 They messin’ up his career if he lose bad.
People keep acting like Baraou gonna come for vacation 😂 But Germany fighters are tough and don’t play around. He gonna shock everybody when he walks out with that belt.
Exactly! Folks sleep on German boxers cause they not loud but that don’t mean they soft. Baraou been through more wars than Zayas ever seen.
I don’t get why people think Zayas is some kind of hero just cause he’s fighting at home. He still young and might crack under pressure. It’s not smart, it’s risky.
Nah man, fighting at home makes him stronger. He got the whole island behind him 💪 That ain’t pressure, that’s power.