Abass Baraou has officially been confirmed as the WBA super-welterweight champion. Wasserman Boxing announced the news on social media, securing Baraou’s place among Germany’s most successful fighters of the modern era. The 30-year-old now joins Sven Ottke, Felix Sturm, and Arthur Abraham as 21st-century German world champions.
Baraou earned his breakthrough on August 23 when he edged out Cuba’s Yoenis Tellez in Orlando. In a back-and-forth contest, he sealed the unanimous decision win by dropping Tellez in the final round to claim the WBA Interim 154lbs title. That victory set the stage for a full elevation once Terence Crawford relinquished his WBA belt by moving up to challenge Canelo Alvarez at super-middleweight.
Watch Tellez vs. Baraou highlights: Watch
The division now boasts four active champions: Sebastian Fundora (WBC), Bakhram Murtazaliev (IBF), Xander Zayas (WBO), and Baraou with the WBA strap. Fundora is due to defend against Keith Thurman on October 25, Murtazaliev may face Josh Kelly later this year, and Zayas awaits confirmation of his first defence.
Baraou’s next assignment is already lined up. The WBA has ordered him to defend against “champion-in-recess” Jermell Charlo, the former undisputed king at 154lbs. Charlo has not fought since his September 2023 loss to Canelo Alvarez at super-middleweight, but now stands in the way of Baraou’s first title defence.
Image Credit: The RIng