ABASS BARAOU is now officially the WBA super-welterweight champion.
The 30-year-oldโs promoter, Wasserman Boxing, confirmed the news on social media platform X. Baraou (17โ1, 9 KOs) joins the ranks of Sven Ottke, Felix Sturm, and Arthur Abraham as German fighters to hold a recognised world title in the 21st century – putting German boxing back on the global map.
Baraouโs upset victory over Yoenis Tellez on August 23 showcased his resilience in a back-and-forth contest. Fighting on away soil, Baraou sealed the win in the final round by dropping the Cuban at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. The unanimous decision not only marked the biggest triumph of his career but also earned him the WBA Interim 154lbs title.
His elevation to full world champion came after Terence Crawford stepped into the ring to challenge Canelo Alvarez on September 13. Crawfordโs stunning win made him the undisputed super-middleweight champion and simultaneously ended his 13-month reign as WBA super-welterweight titleholder – clearing the path for Baraou.
Baraou now stands alongside Sebastian Fundora (WBC), Bakhram Murtazaliev (IBF), and Xander Zayas (WBO) as the four reigning champions in the 154lbs division. Fundora is set to defend his title against veteran Keith Thurman on October 25. Murtazaliev may face Britainโs Josh Kelly later this year, while Zayas awaits confirmation of his first title defence.
Meanwhile, the WBAโs โchampion-in-recessโ, Jermell Charlo – a former undisputed champion -has been named the mandatory challenger and ordered to face Baraou. Charlo has not fought since his underwhelming performance against Alvarez at super-middleweight in September 2023.
