Xander Zayas fights to become the youngest unified...

Xander Zayas stands to change into the youngest unified world champion within the sport at present if he can beat Abass Baraou.

Puerto Rico’s Zayas, the WBO super-welterweight titlist, fights WBA 154lb belt-holder Baraou in San Juan on Saturday night time.

Will probably be the 23-year-old Zayas’ first battle since profitable his world championship. “I am in it for the glory!” he advised Sky Sports activities.

“It does not matter about the rest. I am in it for the glory. I am within the historical past books proper now and I’ll proceed to be. That is what I purpose for.”

Zayas turned boxing’s youngest reigning world champion when he beat Jorge Garcia Perez at Madison Sq. Backyard in July to select up the WBO belt. Abdullah Mason, an excellent youthful American, then overtook him in November when he turned a world light-weight titlist.

Zayas is taking a danger however is relishing the prospect to cross one other milestone. “With the ability to be remembered as a fighter that was at all times dealing with the very best and I used to be at all times trying to make historical past,” he stated.

“I did that after I turned the youngest world champion, for a slight minute, and now I am doing that going into my first title defence for a unification and, after I win, turning into the youngest unified champion in the intervening time.

“I simply really feel like historical past follows me, or I observe it and it is simply been a tremendous trip.”

Baraou although is a formidable opponent. “We all know what he brings to the desk. A variety of stress, loads of quantity,” Zayas stated. “It has the very best of each worlds, you’ve got a pure boxer that is aware of the way to modify, that’s sturdy quick, sharp. You’ve a fighter that is aware of the way to put stress, throws loads of quantity.”

Combating in Puerto Rico, in a bout of this magnitude, shall be a particular second for Zayas.

“In fact I needed to battle within the island for a very long time now,” he stated. “Now I am a champion, now I am bringing the most important battle at 154lbs to the island in entrance of my individuals, in a unification. It is the whole lot that I’ve dreamed of.”

He sees himself as a part of a “new wave” of worldwide boxing expertise.

“It is beautifull to see it. That is simply how boxing and the world is, that is simply life. New generations are available, pushing away the opposite ones and that is simply that. When my time comes and I am on the best way out, there’s going to be one other set of stars,” Zayas mirrored.

“The most important purpose of my life is in entrance of me. The most important purpose of my complete profession was turning into a world champion. Now turning into unified. There’s nothing else.

“Rather a lot to show, so much to lose. He is a harmful fighter. I am anticipating the very best model of him and are available January 31 I’ll present yet one more time why I’m who I say I’m.”