What’s Next For Unified Champ Xander Zayas?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 2:31 AM ET

Xander Zayas became a unified champion by defeating Abass Baraou, as we look at who could be next.

Zayas added the WBA belt to his WBO title at 154 via a narrow split decision. While one judge turned in a 116-112 card for Baraou, he was overruled by two identical scores of 116-112. Zayas started well by keeping the German at bay with his jab and lateral movement. Whenever Baraou attempted to close the gap, Zayas landed counterpunches, controlling the tempo for the first four rounds.

From the fifth round onwards, Baraou’s pressure began to pay off. He cut off the ring and landed hooks to Zayas’ ribs. Baraou’ best moments came in the seventh and eighth, appearing to outwork Zayas on the inside. Zayas regained his rhythm in the ninth, landing combinations, visibly staggering Baraou. The pair traded blows until the final bell, as Zayas walked out as the winner.

“I want the camera to show this coliseo, this thing is packed. Oscar [De La Hoya], we can sell in Puerto Rico. So next time, make sure you don’t put up more excuses. I’m speaking to whoever in the division. Vergil [Ortiz], Boots, Sebastian [Fundora]. [Josh] Kelly just won tonight. If he wants to get it on by the summer, I would like to invite him to Puerto Rico or New York,” Zayas said

The Future

Josh Kelly is a potential option. Kelly is fresh off a victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev (the IBF champion), which occurred on the same night as Zayas vs. Baraou. By calling out Kelly immediately, Zayas is signaling his intent to go for a three-belt unification. Kelly is now the IBF champ, and a fight between the two would represent a massive step toward crowning an undisputed champion at 154 lbs. The fight could sell out in the UK and the US.

The most dangerous option is Jaron Ennis. Boots does not offer Zayas a belt, meaning it is a high-risk fight. However, this would be a “passing of the torch.” Both are undefeated, highly technical, and represent the future of American and Puerto Rican boxing. Ennis is arguably the most avoided man in boxing. For Zayas, taking this fight would be a bold statement that he is ready for the pound-for-pound list.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. could also be on the list. He currently holds the WBC interim title. Ortiz has been chasing a major title shot for years. An Ortiz vs. Zayas fight would be a “Mexico vs. Puerto Rico” rivalry. Ortiz has been heavily linked to a potential fight with Jaron Ennis. If that fight falls through or if Ortiz wins and wants a belt immediately, he could look towards Zayas’ WBO or WBA belts.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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