Abass Baraou will make his Top Rank debut against Giovani Santillan in a 10-round super-welterweight main event on 11 September in Oceanside, California. Following a narrow split-decision loss to Xander Zayas in January, Baraou returns seeking immediate title contention.
The 31-year-old German contender has committed his future to Top Rank by signing a multi-year promotional contract. Rather than easing their new signing into action with a low-risk contest, the promotional company has placed Baraou straight into a meaningful main event at 154 pounds. Baraou (17-2, 9 KOs) will headline a ProBox Promotions card at the Frontwave Arena, streaming live on ProBoxTV, against an in-form contender in Santillan.
Santillan presents a difficult hurdle for Baraou’s first outing under the Top Rank banner. A native of nearby San Diego, Santillan holds an impressive professional record of 35-1 with 18 knockouts and enters the fight on a three-fight winning streak since stepping up in weight class. His recent form and regional support ensure Baraou faces a stern physical test in Oceanside.
Top Rank president Todd duBoef believes Baraou has already established his credentials among the top ranks of the super-welterweight division. “Abass Baraou’s recent performances speak for themselves,” duBoef stated. “He defied the odds by dominating Yoenis Tellez for the interim world title, was soon elevated to full champion, and came within a narrow split decision of unifying titles against Xander Zayas in January.”
Baraou captured the WBA interim world title last August following a commanding unanimous decision over Yoenis Tellez, which featured a late knockdown in the closing seconds. He was later elevated to full WBA champion after Terence Crawford vacated the championship.
A victory on 11 September would immediately position Baraou for further world title opportunities. With Top Rank controlling the promotional rights to both Baraou and Zayas, a win over Santillan maintains a clear path toward a potential rematch with Zayas later in the year.
