When Abass Baraou steps into the ring in Berlin on 7 December, it’ll be for his first WBA super-welterweight title defence — a moment that’s been a long time coming for the talented German.
But here’s the strange thing: depending on where you look, his professional record tells two very different stories. According to BoxRec, Baraou’s last recorded fight was way back in 2017, while the WBA lists him as the current world champion at 154 lbs. So what’s going on?
Record Confusion: When Data Doesn’t Add Up
This isn’t the first time BoxRec has caused headaches for fighters and promoters. Baraou’s page currently shows him as 39–8 (3 KOs), inactive since 2017 — numbers that clearly don’t match his recent achievements. In reality, Baraou became interim WBA super-welterweight champion earlier this year before being elevated to full champion when Terence Crawford vacated the belt.
We broke down that elevation at the time here: Abass Baraou Elevated to WBA Champion.
The confusion likely comes down to administrative updates — something that’s not unusual when fighters switch promoters, sanctioning bodies, or management. Still, it’s not a good look for a governing body trying to present itself as credible.
Berlin Showdown: The Real First Defence
Despite the paperwork mess, what’s not in doubt is that Abass Baraou’s title defence in December will be his biggest night yet. Fighting at home in Berlin gives him the platform to silence critics who’ve labelled him a “paper champion” — a tag that’s unfair but predictable, given he inherited the belt rather than winning it in the ring.
Promoter Wasserman Boxing is reportedly lining up a top-15 ranked opponent, with several European and American names in the mix. A strong performance here could push Baraou into the mix for unifications in 2026 — potentially against the likes of Erickson Lubin or Josh Kelly, who’s chasing his own route back to world level.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
Let’s be real — defending a title is always tougher than winning it. Baraou’s style is sharp and intelligent, but under the bright lights of a homecoming defence, every round will be scrutinised. A convincing win would go a long way towards proving that he’s more than just a champion by circumstance.
And with the super-welterweight division as open as it’s been in years, Baraou has a genuine opportunity to carve out his own legacy — one clean performance at a time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you trust the WBA listings or BoxRec’s numbers, one thing is certain — Abass Baraou has earned his shot, and now he has to prove he belongs at the top. Berlin will be his proving ground.
If he delivers the kind of performance we know he’s capable of, this December defence might finally silence the doubters once and for all.
Join the Conversation
What’s your take — does Baraou have to beat a big name to earn full respect, or has he already proven himself through consistency?
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