Abass Baraou has welcomed all comers as he looks to use his August victory over Cuban Yoenis Tellez to earn a big fight.
Baraou picked up the WBA interim title at 154lbs and will likely be upgraded once Terence Crawford steps into the ring to face Canelo Alvarez later this month.
Baraou, who fights out of Berlin, Germany, is 17-1 ( 9 KOs) and speaking to Sky Sports, he said of defeating Tellez: “It was an unbelievable feeling; it was one of my great performances so far and it’s an amazing feeling and I’m looking forward to keep going.”
Baraou welcomed fights with Jermell Charlo, Conor Benn and Josh Kelly, if they can be made, and said: “I’m very blessed to be in this position now. For a long time, I was chasing fights, now the big fights are easy to make. I would be happy to be world champion soon and I think I will be in a good position. Also, being out of contract, the future is exciting and I’m looking forward to the biggest fight and the biggest night of my career and claiming all the belts.”
Baraou spoke of his ambition to help big-time boxing return to Germany, although he said he is also keen to fight in England.
“I’ve been in the UK for a while, I love fighting here in the UK,” he said. “Fighting a guy like that [Conor Benn] would be a big statement. Josh Kelly, if he’s active, show me it’s a real challenge and I’m looking forward to great challenges.”
