Get ready for an explosive boxing event that's stirring up the sports world! The highly anticipated junior middleweight unification bout is set to electrify fans, as Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou step into the ring.
But here's the twist: This thrilling fight, taking place on January 31st in San Juan, Puerto Rico, will not be broadcast on traditional TV networks. Instead, Top Rank has announced that it will air live on their very own Top Rank Classics FAST channel, marking a significant shift in their broadcasting strategy.
For those eager to watch, the channel is easily accessible on mobile and desktop via trboxing.co/TopRankClassics, as well as on popular FAST channel apps such as Roku, Tubi, and Vizio. The broadcast starts at 5:30 p.m. ET and promises an action-packed evening.
Xander Zayas, the 23-year-old rising star, is making his long-awaited return to Puerto Rico, where he'll defend his WBO 154lbs title for the first time. With an impressive 22-0 record, including 13 KOs, Zayas is a force to be reckoned with. His last victory against Jorge Garcia in July demonstrated his dominance, securing the vacant belt by unanimous decision.
Abass Baraou, no stranger to the ring, boasts a record of 17-1 with 9 KOs. He recently claimed the WBA 154lbs title in August, defeating Yoenis Tellez in a unanimous decision.
And the undercard is just as exciting! Featuring rising talents like Rohan Polanco (17-0, 10 KOs) taking on Christian Gomez (23-6-1, 21 KOs) in the welterweight division, this event is a boxing enthusiast's dream.
A controversial shift? This broadcast decision by Top Rank raises questions about the future of boxing on traditional TV. With more fights being aired on their own platform, are we witnessing a new era of boxing broadcasting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The Zayas-Baraou showdown is the latest in a series of Top Rank events to air on their platform, following the end of their deal with ESPN. Will this trend continue, and what does it mean for boxing fans and the sport's accessibility? Tune in on January 31st to witness history in the making, and join the conversation about the future of boxing broadcasts!
