The air in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be electric on January 31, 2026. The island’s favorite son and boxing’s youngest world champion, Xander Zayas, is coming home for a historic title unification bout against the formidable German champion, Abass Baraou.
The legendary Coliseo de Puerto Rico will be roaring as two of the best junior middleweights on the planet put their titles and undefeated records on the line. This isn’t just another fight; it’s a clash of styles, a battle for legacy, and a celebration of Puerto Rico’s rich boxing heritage.
For boxing fans around the world, the question isn’t if they’ll watch, but how. With broadcast rights and geo-restrictions often complicating access, this guide will break down everything you need to know about the Zayas vs. Baraou showdown, including how to stream it live from anywhere using a VPN.
What Makes the Zayas vs. Baraou Fight Historic?
This isn’t just a high-stakes title fight; it’s a rare piece of boxing history in the making.
The Zayas vs. Baraou unification bout is only the second time in history that a major title unification fight will be held on Puerto Rican soil. The last time was over a decade ago, making this a monumental event for the island and its passionate boxing fans. When Zayas and Baraou step into the ring, they won’t just be fighting for the WBO and WBA junior middleweight titles; they’ll be fighting for a place in Puerto Rican boxing lore.
Who is Xander Zayas and Why is Everyone Talking About Him?
At just 23 years old, Xander Zayas is already a world champion and one of the hottest names in boxing. With an undefeated record of 22-0, including 13 knockouts, he carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders.
Zayas, like Shakur Stevenson became boxing’s youngest male world champion with his victory over Jorge Garcia in July 2025, and his combination of speed, skill, and charisma has drawn comparisons to some of Puerto Rico’s greatest fighters.
However, Zayas’s rapid rise hasn’t been without controversy. Critics argue that his promoter, Top Rank, has carefully managed his career, protecting him from tougher opponents. Some even question his punching power and whether he’s truly ready for the elite of the 154-pound division.
Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya publicly criticized Zayas in August 2025, blasting him for “making boxing stale” by not agreeing to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr. This fight against Baraou is his chance to silence the doubters and prove he belongs at the top.
Who is Abass Baraou and What Are His Chances?
Abass Baraou is no stranger to big fights. The 31-year-old German champion of Togolese descent holds the WBA title and boasts a record of 17-1 with 9 knockouts. He’s a pressure fighter with a deceptive style and proven power, as shown in his dramatic title-winning performance against Yoenis Tellez. Baraou won the WBA interim title in August 2025 with a unanimous decision, dropping Tellez with just 10 seconds remaining in the fight. He was later elevated to full champion when Terence Crawford relinquished the title to pursue a megafight with Canelo Alvarez.
But Baraou has a secret weapon: he and Zayas have sparred extensively in the past.
“I know how he moves and how he fights. The fight is going to be way different. I can use it to my advantage, but I’m just focused on the fight.”
This inside knowledge could be the key to an upset, making Baraou a dangerous and unpredictable opponent for the young champion. The two fighters trained together in South Florida multiple times, with their last sparring session taking place in 2024.
How Will the Zayas vs. Baraou Fight Play Out?
This fight is a classic clash of styles. Zayas is the slick boxer with superior footwork and a higher boxing IQ. He’ll want to use his movement to control the distance and pick Baraou apart from the outside.
Baraou, on the other hand, is the aggressive pressure fighter who will look to close the distance, cut off the ring, and turn the fight into a brawl.
Key Questions for Fight Night:
Can Zayas handle the pressure? Critics have questioned Zayas’s ability to handle relentless pressure. Baraou will be his toughest test in this regard. Some fans have also criticized Zayas for excessive clinching in his previous fight against Garcia, raising questions about how the referee will manage the bout.
Will the sparring history matter? Does Baraou’s familiarity with Zayas’s style give him a significant tactical advantage? Having shared multiple training camps, Baraou claims to understand exactly how Zayas moves and fights.
How will the home crowd affect Zayas? The energy of the Coliseo de Puerto Rico can be a massive boost, but it also brings immense pressure. Fighting at home in front of thousands of passionate Puerto Rican fans could either elevate Zayas to greatness or add unwanted pressure.
Where Can You Watch the Xander Zayas Fight Live?
As of now, the official broadcaster for the Zayas vs. Baraou fight is still listed as “To Be Announced.”
However, Top Rank events are typically broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States, while DAZN often carries major international fights. The fight is listed on DAZN’s boxing schedule for January 31, though specific platform details haven’t been confirmed yet.
This is where things get tricky for international fans. ESPN+ is only available in the US, and DAZN’s content library varies by country. This means you could be blocked from watching the fight simply because of where you live.
Do You Need a VPN to Watch Boxing Online?
This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) becomes your best friend. A VPN allows you to change your virtual location, making it appear as though you’re browsing from a different country. This is essential for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing streaming services that might not be available in your region.
With a VPN, you can:
Access ESPN+ from outside the US by connecting to a US server. ESPN+ is geo-locked to United States IP addresses, but a VPN makes it appear as though you’re streaming from within the country.
Switch between different DAZN libraries to find the one that’s broadcasting the fight. DAZN operates in multiple countries but offers different content in each region based on broadcast rights.
Avoid local blackouts that might prevent you from watching the fight even if you’re in the right country. Some regions implement blackout restrictions for certain events, which VPNs can help bypass.
Protect your privacy and prevent your internet service provider from throttling your connection. ISPs sometimes slow down streaming traffic, but VPN encryption prevents them from detecting what you’re doing online.
Is using a VPN legal then?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. Changing your IP address to access geo-blocked content generally doesn’t violate any laws, though it may violate the Terms of Service of streaming platforms. The important distinction is that it’s not a criminal matter.
Top 5 VPNs for Streaming the Zayas Fight
When it comes to streaming live sports, speed is everything. You need a VPN that can deliver a fast, stable connection to avoid buffering and lag. Here are the best VPNs for watching the Zayas vs. Baraou fight, with a focus on speed and reliability:
1. NordVPN – Best Overall for Speed and Reliability
NordVPN consistently ranks as the fastest VPN for US connections, thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. With over 1,900 servers across all 50 US states, you’ll have no trouble finding a fast, stable connection for streaming. NordVPN excels at unblocking both ESPN+ and DAZN, making it the top choice for boxing fans.
Why it’s perfect for this fight: The NordLynx protocol delivers blazing-fast speeds that won’t buffer during crucial moments. Starting at just $2.99 per month, it offers excellent value for premium performance.
2. ExpressVPN – Most Reliable for ESPN+ Unblocking
ExpressVPN has built a reputation as the most reliable VPN for accessing ESPN+. Its streamlined apps work seamlessly across all devices, and its consistent ability to bypass ESPN’s VPN detection makes it a favorite among sports fans. With servers in over 90 countries, ExpressVPN offers both speed and global coverage.
Why it’s perfect for this fight: If your primary concern is guaranteed access to ESPN+, ExpressVPN is worth the premium price. Its user-friendly interface means you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time watching the fight.
3. Surfshark – Best Budget Option with Top-Tier Speed
Don’t let the affordable price fool you. Surfshark was named the top performer in download speed tests by PCMag in 2026. It offers excellent US server coverage and successfully unblocks major streaming platforms, all at a fraction of the cost of competitors.
Why it’s perfect for this fight: If you’re budget-conscious but refuse to sacrifice streaming quality, Surfshark delivers incredible value. You get premium speeds without the premium price tag.
4. Proton VPN – Fastest in Recent Independent Tests
Proton VPN earned the top spot in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 fastest VPN rankings. Beyond its impressive speed, Proton VPN offers strong privacy features and no data limits, making it ideal for streaming high-definition boxing matches without worrying about bandwidth caps.
Why it’s perfect for this fight: Privacy-focused users who also demand top-tier speed will appreciate Proton VPN’s combination of security and performance. It effectively bypasses geo-restrictions while keeping your data secure.
5. Private Internet Access – Best for Avoiding Blackouts
Private Internet Access (PIA) operates a vast network that includes servers in all 50 US states. This extensive coverage makes it particularly effective at avoiding local blackout restrictions that sometimes affect major sporting events.
Why it’s perfect for this fight: If you’re in the US but concerned about potential regional blackouts, PIA’s comprehensive state-by-state coverage ensures you’ll find a server that can access the fight.
| VPN Provider | Key Strengths | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fastest speeds, 1,900+ US servers, NordLynx protocol | Overall speed and reliability for live sports | $2.99/mo |
| ExpressVPN | Excellent for unblocking ESPN+, user-friendly apps | Ease of use and guaranteed access to ESPN+ | Premium |
| Surfshark | Top-tier download speeds, most affordable option | Budget-conscious users who demand speed | Budget-friendly |
| Proton VPN | Ranked #1 in recent speed tests, strong privacy | Privacy-focused users who also want top speed | Varies |
| Private Internet Access | Servers in all 50 US states, great for blackouts | Avoiding local blackouts within the US | Competitive |
How Do You Watch the Fight with a VPN?
Using a VPN is surprisingly simple. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose and subscribe to a VPN from the list above. Consider your priorities: speed, price, or ease of use.
Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your device. Most VPNs support Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even smart TVs.
Step 3: Connect to a server in the US or another country where the fight is being broadcast. For ESPN+, you’ll need a US server.
Step 4: Go to the streaming service’s website or app such as ESPN+ or DAZN.
Step 5: Sign in and enjoy the fight! Make sure you’re logged in before the main event starts.
Troubleshooting tips: If you encounter VPN detection errors, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, or connect to a different server. Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN have dedicated streaming servers that are specifically optimized to bypass detection.
What Are the Predictions for Zayas vs. Baraou?
Zayas enters the fight as the betting favorite, with odds as high as -340, which translates to a 74% implied probability of winning.
However, many experts and fans believe this is a much closer fight than the odds suggest. Baraou’s experience, pressure, and inside knowledge make him a live underdog.
Reddit’s boxing community is divided. While many praise Zayas as “one of the best prospects in boxing right now,” others note that “Baraou looked more skilled to me than any fight of Zayas I have seen.” The consensus seems to be that this is Zayas’s first real test against elite competition.
This fight will likely come down to whether Zayas can stick to his game plan and use his skills to outbox the relentless Baraou. If Baraou can pressure Zayas and turn it into a phone booth fight, his power and experience could lead to an upset. It’s a true 50/50 fight that could go either way.
Why Does This Fight Matter to Puerto Rico?
Boxing is more than just a sport in Puerto Rico; it’s a part of the national identity. From Sixto Escobar, who became the island’s first world champion in 1934, to legends like Carlos Ortiz, Wilfredo Gomez, and Félix “Tito” Trinidad, Puerto Rico has produced some of boxing’s greatest champions. The island’s “Golden Era” in the 1960s through 1980s saw an explosion of champions that cemented Puerto Rico’s place in boxing history.
Today, five Puerto Rican boxers hold WBA titles, continuing the island’s proud tradition. Zayas is the latest in this proud lineage, and his homecoming fight is a chance for the island to celebrate its boxing heritage and rally behind its new hero. The atmosphere in the Coliseo de Puerto Rico will be a testament to the passion and pride that boxing inspires in the Puerto Rican people.
For Zayas, this fight represents more than just defending a title. It’s an opportunity to cement his place among Puerto Rican legends and carry forward a tradition that spans nearly a century.
Don’t Miss a Historic Night of Boxing
The stage is set for an unforgettable night of boxing. Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou has all the ingredients of a classic: a historic unification, a clash of styles, a fascinating sparring backstory, and a passionate home crowd. Whether you’re a die-hard boxing fan or just love a good underdog story, this is a fight you won’t want to miss.
And with a reliable VPN, you can watch it all unfold live, no matter where you are in the world. The technology that once seemed complicated is now as simple as clicking a button. Choose your VPN, connect to the right server, and settle in for what promises to be one of 2026’s most exciting boxing matches.
Will Zayas prove the doubters wrong and establish himself as a legitimate world-class fighter? Or will Baraou’s pressure and inside knowledge lead to a stunning upset in enemy territory? There’s only one way to find out.
