The Cuban Phenom’s Ascent: Yoenis Tellez Defends WBA Interim Title Against Abass Baraou Tonight

Yoenis Tellez (10-0, 7 KOs) defends his WBA interim junior middleweight title tonight against Abass Baraou (16-1, 9 KOs) in a 12-round co-feature bout on DAZN at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

(Credit: Most Valuable Promotions / Joseph Correa)

Tonight’s main card starts at 8:00 p.m. ET, live on DAZN.

MVP Running order

• Yankiel Rivera vs. Angelino Cordova – headliner
• Yoenis Tellez vs. Abass Baraou – chief support
• Stephanie Han vs. Paulina Angel
• Jasmine Artiga vs. Linn Sandstrom
• Lucas Bahdi vs. Roger Gutierrez
• Natalie Dove vs. Randee Morales
• Jocelyn Camarillo vs. Agustina Vazquez
• Ariel Perez vs. Chris Avila

The WBA’s Next King

Tellez, 25, is one of the many talented former Cuban amateur fighters who are coming through the ranks. His fighting style is a combination of Andy Cruz and David Morrell. He has similar technical ability to both, but with the heavy hands that the light heavyweight Morrell possesses.

The WBA still hasn’t elevated Tellez to full champion status yet. Terence Crawford, the current champion, hasn’t defended his belt since winning it last year on August 3, 2024. Once the WBA removes Crawford, Tellez will likely be elevated. Tonight’s Tellez-Baraou fight will determine who will be in an excellent position to be moved into the WBA championship seat once Crawford vacates or is stripped.

“He says he’s got experience and that he’s going to be able to handle it, but he doesn’t know the kind of pressure that I’m going to be putting on Baraou on Saturday,” said Yoenis Tellez about his opponent, Abass Baraou. “I know exactly what needs to be done.”

Tellez finished his amateur career with a record of 102-7 before turning professional in 2020. He’s coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over former IBF and WBA junior middleweight champion Julian ‘J-Rock’ Williams on March 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Tellez won by the scores 119-109, 117-111, and 118-110.

Baraou’s Experience

“I have all the skills and experience. I just need to be myself on Saturday night and do the job,” said Baraou. “It means a lot. I mean, everything has led to this moment. I’ve been working hard, and I’m very happy to be here in this moment, and I can’t wait.

“I need to put him under pressure. I need to be on him all night long, and I don’t think he’s ready for my pressure,” said Baraou.