Abass Baraou signs with Top Rank ahead of Giovani Santillan return

Former WBA super-welterweight champion Abass Baraou has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank. The Germany-born fighter of Togolese descent is scheduled to return against Giovani Santillan on September 11 on a ProBox card in Oceanside, California.

Top Rank announced the agreement on Monday, adding Baraou to its stable after a title run that took him from interim champion to a narrow defeat in a unification fight. Baraou and Santillan will meet in a 10-round junior-middleweight bout headlining a ProBox card at Frontwave Arena.

“Signing with Top Rank is a huge step in my career,” Baraou said. “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.”

Baraou, 17-2 (9 KOs), rebuilt his career after a split-decision defeat to former world champion Jack Culcay in 2020, putting together eight straight victories. The most significant came last August in Orlando, Florida, when he upset the previously unbeaten Yoenis Tellez by unanimous decision to win the WBA interim title, punctuating the performance with a knockdown in the closing seconds of the 12th round.

He was elevated to full WBA champion the following month after Terence Crawford vacated the title before moving up for his 168lbs championship fight with Canelo Alvarez. Baraou then entered a January unification with WBO champion Xander Zayas and lost by split decision, a result that left him outside the title picture but still positioned among the leading contenders at 154lbs.

Top Rank president Todd duBoef said, “Abass Baraou’s recent performances speak for themselves. 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.”

Baraou is rated No. 9 by The Ring at junior middleweight and ranked No. 4 by the WBA, No. 6 by the WBO and No. 11 by the WBC, leaving him within reach of another title opportunity if he comes through the Santillan assignment.

The September 11 bout is now Baraou’s first step under the Top Rank banner. A win in Oceanside would strengthen his position for renewed negotiations around the major belts at 154lbs, while giving Top Rank a direct role in guiding his push back towards a second title reign.