Former WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Baraou signs with Top Rank

Former WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Baraou has signed a promotional contract with Top Rank.

For Baraou, 17-2 (9 KOs), the first fight of the multi-year agreement will be on Friday, September 11, in the 10-round main event of a ProBoxTV live broadcast (8pm ET/5pm PT) from Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, against Giovani Santillan, 35-1 (18 KOs).

Currently ranked WBA No. 4, WBO No. 6 and WBC No. 12,  Baraou, of Berlin, Germany, says aligning with Bob Arum’s Top Rank is a key part of his mission to regain a world championship belt.

“Signing with Top Rank is a huge step in my career,” said Baraou. “I’ve always believed I belong on the biggest stage, and now I have the right team behind me to chase the biggest fights in boxing. Top Rank has a history of building champions, and I’m proud to join that legacy. I’m grateful for this opportunity, but this is only the beginning. My goal is clear: become world champion again.”

Known for his high-volume pressure and exceptional amateur pedigree, Baraou won the WBA Interim junior-middleweight world championship by scoring a final-round knockdown en-route to a unanimous points verdict over then-interim champion, Yoenis Téllez in August 2025. He was elevated to full champion the following month, after Terence Crawford vacated the title. Baraou lost his title by split decision in a WBO/WBA unification battle against Xander Zayas in late January this year.

“Abass Baraou’s recent performances speak for themselves,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “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. Abass remains one of the division’s top fighters, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Top Rank as he pursues another championship reign.”