Zayas, Baraou Both Weigh 153.5 for Junior Middleweight Unification

Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou made weight without drama, clearing the last obstacle for a junior middleweight title fight that finally forces movement at the top of a division stalled by delays.

Both champions weighed 153.5 pounds at Friday’s weigh in, right on line for their 12 round unification fight. Zayas brings the WBO belt. Baraou arrives with the WBA title. No last minute sweat. Just two fighters ready to work.

Zayas enters unbeaten after 22 professional fights, 13 wins inside the distance. He lifted the vacant WBO title in July with a decision over Jorge Garcia Perez. Born in San Juan and shaped in Florida gyms, this marks his first fight in Puerto Rico as a reigning champion. That adds pressure without changing the task. He still needs to control range, keep his feet under him, and stay disciplined when exchanges heat up.

Baraou also came in at 153.5. His record stands at 17 wins, one defeat, nine knockouts. Now 31, he claimed the vacant WBA belt by decision against Yoenis Tellez. Berlin born, Miami based, he has won eight straight since a 2020 loss to Jack Culcay. He knows what twelve rounds feel like when the pace tightens late.

What the scale says about control

Equal weights do not mean equal nights. Zayas fights best behind structure, sharp jabs, and combinations that come in layers. He prefers to build rounds, not steal them. The weight read suggests he did not drain, which matters when he has to hold form past eight.

Baraou is calmer than he looks. He will take a half step back, let shots skim, then answer in straight lines. Familiarity adds another layer here. They sparred years ago. That does not decide fights, yet it removes mystery. Both know the other can punch and keep shape.

The card did lose a piece. Rohan Polanco withdrew, scrapping his welterweight fight with Christian Gomez. The main event stayed intact. That is what counts.

Zayas must show he can lead without rushing. Baraou must prove he can take ground without drifting. One of them leaves unified. The other leaves with answers to find.

Weigh in results

• Xander Zayas 153.5 vs Abass Baraou 153.5
• Juanma Lopez De Jesus 114.5 vs Conner Russell Goade 113.9
• Carlos De Leon Castro 129.7 vs Diuhl Olguin 129.6
• Yadriel Caban 115.0 vs Jeremis Hernandez Torres 114.7
• Euri Cedeno 159.7 vs Etoundi Michel William 159.9
• Giovani Santillan 153.9 vs Courtney Pennington 153.5

Zayas and Baraou will meet at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.