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\u00a0Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.<\/p>\n
(Credit: Most Valuable Promotions \/ Joseph Correa)<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s main card starts at 8:00 p.m. ET, live on DAZN.<\/p>\n
MVP Running order<\/p>\n
Yankiel Rivera vs. Angelino Cordova \u2013 headliner
\nYoenis Tellez vs. Abass Baraou \u2013 chief support
\nStephanie Han vs. Paulina Angel
\nJasmine Artiga vs. Linn Sandstrom
\nLucas Bahdi vs. Roger Gutierrez
\nNatalie Dove vs. Randee Morales
\nJocelyn Camarillo vs. Agustina Vazquez
\nAriel Perez vs. Chris Avila<\/p>\n
The WBA\u2019s Next King<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The WBA still hasn\u2019t elevated Tellez to full champion status yet. Terence Crawford, the current champion, hasn\u2019t defended his belt since winning it last year on August 3, 2024. Once the WBA removes Crawford, Tellez will likely be elevated. Tonight\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe says he\u2019s got experience and that he\u2019s going to be able to handle it, but he doesn\u2019t know the kind of pressure that I\u2019m going to be putting on Baraou on Saturday,\u201d said Yoenis Tellez about his opponent, Abass Baraou. \u201cI know exactly what needs to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tellez finished his amateur career with a record of 102-7 before turning professional in 2020. He\u2019s coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over former IBF and WBA junior middleweight champion Julian \u2018J-Rock\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Baraou\u2019s Experience<\/p>\n
\u201cI have all the skills and experience. I just need to be myself on Saturday night and do the job,\u201d said Baraou. \u201cIt means a lot. I mean, everything has led to this moment. I\u2019ve been working hard, and I\u2019m very happy to be here in this moment, and I can\u2019t wait.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to put him under pressure. I need to be on him all night long, and I don\u2019t think he\u2019s ready for my pressure,\u201d said Baraou.<\/p>\n
Bob Smith has been writing for Boxing News 24 since 2008, making him one of the site\u2019s longest-serving contributors. With well over a decade of experience, he has established himself as a senior boxing writer who delivers reliable coverage of the global fight scene.<\/p>\n
Bob\u2019s work includes fight reports, news pieces, and features that highlight both world champions and rising contenders, giving fans a clear view of the sport\u2019s past and present. Known for his consistency, accuracy, and deep understanding of boxing, Bob remains a trusted voice for readers looking to stay informed on the worldwide fight game.<\/p>\n