Baraou's Stunning Triumph Over Tellez
In a thrilling display of skill and endurance, Abass Baraou emerged victorious against Yoenis Tellez on August 24, capturing the interim WBA junior middleweight title in a grueling 12-round battle at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida. Baraou, now with a record of 17-1 with 9 KOs, scored a critical knockdown in the final round, sealing his upset over the previously unbeaten Tellez, who fell to 10-1 with 7 KOs. The judges' scorecards reflected Baraou's dominance, with scores of 117-110, 116-111, and 115-112.
The fight was described as a 'brutal battle' by multiple sources, showcasing both fighters' determination. Baraou's performance, particularly his 12th-round barrage including a massive right uppercut and left hook, left an indelible mark on the junior middleweight division. Posts found on X echoed the excitement, with fans and analysts alike noting the fight as a potential 'Round of the Year' contender due to its intense action.
Impact on Junior Middleweight Rankings
Baraou's victory has sparked discussions about his potential placement in the top 10 of the junior middleweight division. Prior to this bout, Yoenis Tellez held the interim WBA title and was seen as a rising star at 154 pounds, often touted as the future of the division. Baraou, ranked as the number one contender by the WBA before the fight, has now solidified his status as a legitimate threat, though his exact position in ESPN's latest divisional rankings remains to be confirmed.
While ESPN's most recent rankings update highlighted other divisions, such as heavyweight with Moses Itauma's rise, there has been no specific mention of Baraou's placement in the junior middleweight top 10 as of August 26. However, his decisive win over Tellez is likely to influence upcoming rankings by major boxing outlets. Sentiment on X suggests that many in the boxing community view Baraou as a newly established contender who could challenge for a full world title soon.
What's Next for Baraou and Tellez?
With this victory, Abass Baraou has positioned himself for bigger opportunities in the competitive 154-pound weight class. His ability to outlast and overpower Tellez in the later rounds demonstrates a resilience that could see him facing top-tier opponents in the near future. Fans are eager to see if he will be matched against other ranked fighters or even vie for a unified title shot.
For Yoenis Tellez, this loss marks a significant setback after an undefeated start to his professional career. Despite showing flashes of brilliance with heavy shots early in the fight, his inability to withstand Baraou's late surge raises questions about his readiness for elite competition. Tellez will likely aim to rebuild his momentum in subsequent bouts, learning from this defeat to refine his approach in the ring.