Abass Baraou has confirmed his place in boxing history after becoming WBA interim super-welterweight champion with a dramatic points win over Yoenis Tellez in the United States.
The German talent, who now awaits elevation to full world champion status once Terence Crawford steps up to 168 pounds on September 13, admitted the moment was the culmination of years of setbacks and sacrifice.
Baraou on the long road to glory
Speaking to Sport.de, Baraou revealed how much the words ‘And the new’ meant to him after years of canceled fights and training camps that never led to the ring.
“For me, there was no other option than: I must take the title with me,” Baraou told Martin Armbruster. “In the hard years, I was always in the gym, I always believed in myself, and I always worked 100 percent at the highest level.
“When I heard ‘And the New’, I was relieved the judges didn’t take it away from me. It wasn’t a crazy dream after all; it all paid off.”
The 30-year-old entered the fight knowing he needed more than rounds to secure victory on foreign soil. His offensive, aggressive style earned praise from U.S. fans and even sparked “Fight of the Year” talk after his furious finish in the twelfth round.
Baraou credited his experience from past 12-round wars, including a razor-close defeat to Jack Culcay, for helping him keep composure and break down Tellez.
“The will was there, and then came the experience. I realized my opponent had no idea what was coming his way. I can apply extreme pressure while still boxing technically and being patient. That is calculated offense.”
The German floored Tellez in the final round, switching seamlessly into southpaw before unleashing combinations that sealed the fight in emphatic style.
“Maybe it’s the will. I knew I couldn’t just rely on the judges. When I saw in his eyes that he had no will left, the killer instinct kicked in, and I wanted to put him down. That was a good closing point. I knew for sure that I had the victory in the bag.”
A new era for German boxing
Baraou will be officially crowned the full WBA champion once the organization strips Crawford, as he faces Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight next month.
That status will make Baraou the only current male world champion from Germany.
“Yes, world champion. I always believed I would be a world champion, even when the road was rocky. All the hard work and sacrifices paid off. But now my mind is already further ahead: I have to stay world champion.”
Baraou joins Max Schmeling and Noel Mikaelian as the only Germans to win a world title on U.S. soil, cementing himself in elite company.
The WBA’s mandatory situation is likely to bring Jaron “Boots” Ennis into the frame as Baraou’s first challenger at 154 lbs. Other names such as Sebastian Fundora and Vergil Ortiz Jr. loom in a stacked division.
Still, Baraou dreams of defending his crown at home.
“Unfortunately, boxing has gotten quieter in Germany. But my dream is still to fight once in the Rudolf-Weber-Arena in Oberhausen.”
For now, German boxing has a new hero. And come September 13, Abass Baraou’s name will be etched as the latest full WBA world champion at super welterweight.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.