Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum, delivered a series of sensational fight nights in 2023 that were watched by millions on free-to-air television. 

And today, it can be confirmed that Wasserman’s 2024 schedule launches with a contest that will stake an early claim for Fight of the Year, as Baraou faces ‘The Savage’ Eggington in Telford. 

Baraou is Germany’s world-ranked former amateur star with designs on global domination, while Eggington is a British boxing cult hero after a barnstorming career packed with memorable blood and guts fights and title wins. 

Twice a winner of the domestic Fight of the Year, Eggington is bidding to become a two-weight EBU European champion, but Baraou has outstanding pedigree and is ready to live up to his billing as one of the best fighters of his generation from Germany. 

This tantilising clash of styles is certain to produce yet another fight that fans will go crazy for, live and free on Channel 5.  

Abass Baraou said: “I am incredibly motivated after finally confirming my shot at the European title and I can promise you that I won’t let this chance slip through my fingers. 

“Winning the prestigious European title on March 1 will be a major step on my mission to becoming a world champion and I plan on putting on a performance that sends out a statement to rest of the division. 

“Everyone in boxing knows that Sam Eggington is a warrior and has been in some great fights in his career, and our clash of styles will make for another thriller but make no mistake, I will emerge victorious.” 

Sam Eggington said: “March 1 in Telford is the night I write the next chapter in my crazy boxing story.  My fans will pack out the arena and roar me on to become a two-weight European champion. 

“I always deliver must-see fights, I have done so all of my career, but this one against Baraou could be the best yet.  Whether you’re at ringside or watching live on Channel 5, you’re in for one hell of a fight. 

“Baraou may have international amateur medals, just like Frankie Gavin did when we fought, but he has never faced a fighter like me, over 12 gruelling rounds, where I don’t let him breathe for a second.” 

BIG FIGHT ODDS WITH LADBROKES 

Abass Baraou – 4/7 
Sam Eggington – 11/8 
Draw – 18/1 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “What a way to start our big fight schedule for 2024! 

“Baraou vs Eggington is an absolute banger of a fight and we’re staging it at a venue which always lends itself to creating a great atmosphere. 

“Abass is one of the best super welterweights in the world, and winning the European title will act as a launchpad to world honours. 

“But Eggington is a British boxing hero who shows incredible bravery, toughness and a granite chin, time after time after time. 

“Last year was a record-setting one for Wasserman Boxing on Channel 5, with millions of people tuning in to watch our events, and so we are setting our stall out for 2024 with this humdinger on March 1 in Telford.”  

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Boxing fans the world over are being treated to a cracking night of action to kick off 2024, and Ladbrokes is once again extremely proud to play a part in things.  
“Abass Baraou has been tipped by many for great things – world titles, even – but it’s safe to say he’ll be up against it in Telford as Sam Eggington will head into the ring with the local backing, and then some.” 

He added: “Baraou got the job done early last time he fought on British soil, but it takes a lot to knock down The Savage… all signs point towards another exhilarating night of Channel 5 boxing in March.” 

Abass Baraou (11-1, 7 KOs) will headline an action-packed event at the Tempodrom in Berlin on Saturday March 19 as the rising Super Welterweight star takes on Argentinian southpaw Brian Damian Chaves (14-1, 5 KOs).

Boxing returns to the Tempodrom for the first time in 18 years as Wasserman Boxing and Probellum continue their partnership with another exciting event following the success of their first co-promotion on December 3 in Ilsenburg.

Baraou, fighting in his adopted hometown for the first time in his paid career, will follow in the footsteps of German greats Markus Beyer, Sebastian Sylvester and Oktay Urjkal who have all previously topped the bill at the famous Berlin venue.

Oktay Urkal challenged ‘Vicious’ Vivian Harris for the WBA World Super Lightweight Title at the Tempodrom in October 2004, while Markus Beyer defended his WBC Super Middleweight crown against Italy’s Alberto Colajanni in January 2006, and future IBF World Champion Sebastian Sylvester fought Francois Bastient for the EBU European Middleweight Title in January 2008.

Baraou, who won Gold at the European Championships and Bronze at the World Championships in 2017, hopes victory over the former WBA Fedebol Champion will enable him to realise his own World Title ambitions.

“I am excited to face an interesting opponent like Chaves at the Tempodrom,” said Baraou. “This is another important step forward for me as I move closer to being able to fight for World Titles. I know it will be a challenge that requires intense preparation. This gives me even more motivation for the next few weeks. I look forward to putting on a great fight for all my fans in Berlin.”

Baraou’s opponent Chaves intends to spoil the party for the former German and WBC International Super Welterweight Champion with the South American confidently predicting he will end the fight in the first five rounds.

“On March 19, I am going to announce myself to the world,” said Chaves, the 29-year-old from Buenos Aires. “I will defeat Abass Baraou by KO within five rounds. I am not going to let this opportunity pass me by. I have plenty of quality and I will be bringing the victory back to Argentina, VAMOS!”

“We’ve promoted three fantastic events at the Tempodrom in the past,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “We’re delighted to return with Abass Baraou, who can become one of Germany’s next boxing superstars. Following the success of our first event in Ilsenburg, we’re thrilled to be working once again with our partners Probellum. Spectators will be allowed at the Tempodrom, and I am sure that fans will come in large numbers to experience boxing live in this fantastic setting.”

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, adds: “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Wasserman Boxing. This is the second in a series of high-quality boxing events that we will be promoting together this year in Germany. I look forward to seeing Abass Baraou in action as well as the other fights that will be announced in the coming days. Our partnership now continues to gather momentum as we look forward to many more great nights together with Wasserman Boxing!”

Sign up for ticket alerts for Abass Baraou vs. Brian Damian Chaves on March 19 at the Tempodrom in Berlin here: http://eepurl.com/hVwg2z

Heavyweight Filip Hrgovic dominated and stopped Mark Radonjic in round three of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout in Austria.

Hrgovic dropped Radojic four-times in round two and once again in round three, and the bout was stopped.

Hrgovic of Croatia is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Radonjic of Montenegro is 22-1.

Dalton Smith remained undefeated with 10-round unanimous decision over Brian Pelaez in a junior welterweight bout.

Smith of England wo by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 9-0. Pelaez of Madrid, SPA is 10-6.

Abass Baraou stopped Jay Harris in the opening round of their eight-round super welterweight fight.

Baraou landed two hard rights that froze Harris and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Baraou of Berlin, Germany is 10-1 with seven knockouts. Harris of Dusseldorf, GER is 11-3.

Former belt holder, John Ryder stopped Jozef Jurrko in a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout

In round four, Jurko began to bleed from his nose. In round five, Ryder continued to pound away at an overmatched Jurko and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Ryder of England is now 30-5 with 17 knockouts. Jurko of Slovenia is 7-3.

John Hedges remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Frane Radnic.

Hedges won by a 60-54 score and is 3-0.

Following one of the best fights in recent years in Germany, Abass Baraou (9-1, 6 KOs) lost a controversial split decision to former World Champion Jack Culcay (29-4, 13 KOs) at the Harvel Studios in Berlin.

Despite the lack of fans allowed in the arena, the atmosphere was just as electric as the action between the ropes as Baraou used his speed and skill to land numerous heavy blows to the body and head.

Baraou was fighting under the tutelage of Adam Booth for the first time and the 25-year-old showcased ring generalship that belied his years as he consistently landed the thudding jab and dictated the pace of the fight with a constant supply of pressure. 

The experienced ‘Golden Jack’ displayed his courage and grit as he soaked up Baraou’s attacks, before launching his own flurries in the back half of the fight. The 154lbs bout was billed as ‘Fight of the Year’ and it lived to it’s pre-fight hype as the two German contenders gave the fans a ferocious 12 rounds to remember.

Following a dramatic final round Baraou and his team celebrated as they were confident they had done enough to claim a career best victory but controversially Culcay was the victor with the judges scoring the bout (116-113, 113-115 and 114-115).

A clearly disappointed Baraou was defiant after the result.

“It was a great fight and I felt like I did enough to get the decision,” said Baraou. “I’m disappointed I didn’t get the victory but I know I will come back stronger.”

Following the contentious decision fans around the world took to social media to voice their disbelief at the result, a sentiment shared by Baraou’s stablemate, featherweight contender and Olympic bronze medalist Michael Conlan.

“What a fight Abass Baraou, you won that my brother!,” tweeted Conlan. “These are some messed up scorecards, run that back ASAP!”.

Nisse Sauerland, who has promoted Baraou since he turned professional, was in a defiant mood after the fight. 

“Abass did himself, Team Sauerland and Germany proud tonight with that performance. He’s put in a phenomenal effort and he should have had his hand raised at the end of the night. I’m more confident than ever that Abass Baraou will become a World Champion. 

“Jack is a great competitor and a true gentleman. I know that he knew he lost the fight. We will be back soon – the rematch is our main objective.”

Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) and Jack Culcay (28-4, 13 KOs) both made weight ahead of their hotly anticipated ‘Fight of The Year’ which takes place tomorrow night at the Havel Studios in Berlin.

The IBF eliminator will see Germany’s #1 and #2 ranked super welterweights clash, with 25-year-old Baraou looking to topple former World Champion Culcay.

IBF Super Welterweight Eliminator:
Abass Baraou: 69.5kg
Jack Culcay: 69.7kg

IBF Intercontinental Middleweight Title:
Vincent Feigenbutz: 71.8kg
Jama Saidi: 71.4kg

The event will take place on August 28th at the Havel Studios in Berlin and will be broadcast live on SPORT1. 

Team Sauerland’s exciting super welterweight contender Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) will challenge former World Champion Jack Culcay (28-4, 13 KOs) in a mouth watering 50/50 clash on August 28th at the Harvel Studios in Berlin.

The fight, already being billed as the ‘Fight of the Year’ in Germany, will see Baraou fight under the tutelage of esteemed trainer Adam Booth for the first time, having linked up with the Englishman in early March.

Baraou kicked off the year with a devastating four round demolition of Mexico’s Abraham Juarez in Hamburg on January 25th, and the 25-year-old was scheduled to take on Nick Klappert (28-3, 15 KOs) on April 4th in Hamburg, Germany, however this fight was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am really looking forward to the fight and I’m more than ready” said Baraou. “I would also like to thank the Sauerland team for the trust they have placed in me. Jack is a big fighter with a lot of experience, but I’m sure I can and will beat him. I will leave nothing to chance on the way to becoming number one in Germany.”

Former interim WBA World Super Welterweight Champion Culcay makes a quick return to the ring having claimed a unanimous decision victory over Howard Cospolite on June 12th, and the 34-year-old Berliner is confident he will remain Germany’s No.1 rated super welterweight. 

“It will be a great battle for the fans and a tough battle between the best super welterweight fighters in Germany,” said Culcay. “I am number one in the German rankings and it will stay that way even after the fight. Thank you AGON Sports & Events for fulfilling my wish. Let’s win this together!”

Team Sauerland promoter Nisse Sauerland is looking forward to seeing Germany’s #1 rated super welterweight take on #2, with the winner of the fight being elevated to number 2 in the IBF world rankings.

“I am very pleased that AGON and the Sauerland team were able to work together to make such a great fight,” said Sauerland. “It’s admirable that Abass has the courage to face a world-class boxer like Jack in just his tenth fight. Jack was previously a Team Sauerland fighter so we know what a great fighter he is.”

The event will take place on August 28th at the Havel Studios in Berlin and there will be further announcements shortly.

Team Sauerland’s exciting contender Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBC International Super Welterweight title against his countryman Nick Klappert (28-3, 15 KOs) at the Work Your Champ Arena on April 4th in Hamburg, Germany. 

Baraou’s tenth professional contest will be the first under the guidance of his new trainer Adam Booth, having moved from Berlin to the UK to link up with the highly regarded coach at the new Boxing Booth Gym in Surrey, England.

The 25-year-old will be headlining in Hamburg for the second time this year having topped the bill against Abraham Juarez on January 25th where he delivered a devastating performance that saw the Mexican retire on his stool after four brutal rounds.

“I am very happy to be boxing again in Hamburg and also live on SPORT1,” said Baraou. “I want to claim my tenth victory in my tenth fight, and I will remain undefeated. My opponent is of course experienced, but he won’t stop me on my way to the top! Everyone can definitely look forward to a great fight.”

Klappert enters the ring off the back of a career best performance in Hamburg in November that saw him overcome Antonio Hoffman to pick up the IBO Continental Super Welterweight title, and will be hoping to build on this success as he goes in search of his twenty-ninth professional win.

“I’m working hard and I’ve had excellent preparation for the fight,” said Klappert. “We don’t underestimate anyone but I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and fighting in Hamburg.”

Chief support on April 4th at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg comes from IBF European Middleweight Champion Denis Radovan (13-0-1, 6 KOs). 18-year-old Sophie Alisch (5-0, 1 KOs) is also in action as she looks to build on a fantastic debut year, and James Kraft (17-0-1, 9 KOs) challenges Dimitar Tilev (11-0, 7 KOs) for the IBF Junior World Super Middleweight title.

All the action will be broadcast live on SPORT1 in Germany.

Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) has linked up with renowned British coach Adam Booth as the German super welterweight star looks to realise his World title ambitions.

Booth, who has recently opened his new Boxing Booth Gym in Surrey, has forged a formidable reputation as one of the sport’s leading coaches having trained numerous World Champions including David Haye, George Groves and Ryan Burnett.

Baraou was last in action on January 25th where he won with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Abraham Juarez, and will have Booth in his corner for the first time when he headlines Team Sauerland’s next event in Hamburg on April 4th.

Under the tutelage of Booth, Baraou will hope to build on a successful 2019 that saw the 25-year-old win the WBC International Super Welterweight title, gain victories over two former World Champions, make his international debut in Dubai and seal a successful year with a stoppage victory at The O2 in London on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Super Lightweight Final.

Baraou is currently training alongside Booth’s stable of exciting contenders including Josh Kelly, Michael Conlon and Harlem Eubank.

“I feel really confident with Adam and I really enjoy the work. We work very well together and I’m enjoying being here,” said Baraou. “I’ve found a new challenge with Adam and I really love it. He’s showing me how to use my weapons.

“I’m learning and enjoying working alongside everyone in the gym,” Baraou continued. “It feels like everyone sticks together and helps each other and there’s a nice energy here. I’m really glad to be here because I’ve found a new way to see boxing and I really like this. I’m also excited for the future and what it’s going to bring.”

Booth has been equally impressed with the German contender’s attitude and application.

“He’s a joy to work with,” said Booth. “He was a European gold medallist and a World bronze so you know he’s got competitive grade from the amateurs. He’s been sparring with Josh Kelly and a couple of other guys as well and he’s really impressed.

“I’ve been impressed with his mental approach, he’s made up of the right stuff. He’s very clever and he’s very strong.” Continued Booth. “We are enjoying what we do, the coach can only get the best out of a fighter when he understands a fighter and we are in that stage at the moment where I’m finding things out already that could work at a very high level. I’m excited.”

Baraou’s promoter Nisse Sauerland believes Booth is the perfect fit for his fighter and will see him continue his journey to the upper echelons of the sport.

“Adam Booth is one of the best coaches in the world,” said Sauerland. “His style and philosophy fit perfectly with Abass, who will give everything he’s got to ensure he gets to the top. We are delighted to see these two become a team!”

Baraou returns to the ring on April 4th at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg with chief support coming from Denis Radovan (13-0-1, 6 KOs). 18-year-old Sophie Alisch (5-0, 1 KOs) is also in action as the boxing prodigy looks to build on a fantastic debut year. James Kraft (17-0-1, 9 KOs) challenges challenge Dimitar Tilev (11-0, 7 KOs) for the IBF Junior World Super Middleweight title and further announcements will be made shortly.

All the action will be broadcast live on SPORT1 in Germany. 

Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) produced a devastating performance to claim a fifth-round TKO win over Abraham Juarez (16-5, 5 KOs) last night at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

The historic evening saw Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history, and Baraou, the headline act, put in a spectacular performance befitting of such an occasion.

From the first bell the 25-year-old demonstrated why many fight fans believe he is the man to restore German boxing to its glory days, showcasing slick combinations and unnerving power to unsettle his opponent and delight the crowd.

With just 10 seconds remaining in the fourth round, the WBC International Super Welterweight Champion produced an electric eight-punch combination to send Juarez crashing to the canvas, and as the fifth round approached, Juarez’s corner waved off the fight to seal Baraou’s sixth stoppage victory in nine pro fights.

“I started well and I wanted a fast knockout,” said Baraou. “I boxed cleverly and stuck to my tactics. When he met me in the ring I was angry and I wanted him to feel that.

“It’s a shame he couldn’t compete for longer but he was a tough opponent who deserved every respect. My goal for the rest of the year is to improve my boxing and to fight for more international titles!”

Team Sauerland’s Danish heavyweight Kem Ljungquist (10-0, 5 KOs) was also in action, boxing intelligently to win a wide unanimous decision over Ukraine’s German Skobenko (5-5, 2 KOs).

“I wanted the knockout and I know I can do better,” said Ljungquist. “I am a perfectionist so I will never be 100% satisfied, but a victory is a victory. I am ready for the next step and would like to fight for titles soon!’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland was delighted with the evening’s proceedings and predicted a big year ahead for both the Team Sauerland fighters.

“Every time Abass Baraou steps through the ropes you know he’s going to bring excitement,” said Sauerland. “It’s a delight to watch such a special talent in action. It was another sublime display from Abass and we truly believe he is going all the way to the top.

“Kem produced another assured performance to get his tenth victory tonight,” Sauerland continued. “He knows he can do the rounds so it’s time for him to step up and fight for titles.”

Abass Baraou (8-0, 5 KOs) went head to head with Mexico’s Abraham ‘Pitbull’ Juarez (16-4, 6 KOs) for the first time at today’s press conference ahead of their show topping fight on Saturday January 25th at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

Following a successful 2019 that saw Baraou claim four wins, including a victory over former World Champion Carlos Molina for the WBC International Super Welterweight strap, the undefeated 24-year-old is hoping 2020 will be the year that elevates him closer to a World title shot.

Baraou, who has fond memories of Hamburg having won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships in the city, is hoping to create more history on Saturday night as he aims to triumph over the dangerous Juarez.

“It is very special to fight in Hamburg, since I had one of my biggest successes here a few years ago, when I won the bronze medal at the Amateur World Championships,” said Baraou. “It is an honour for me to fight on this historic event having Germany’s oldest and most historic stables promoting a show together!”

Juarez returns to the ring following a second round KO victory over Arturo Herrera in November, and the 23-year-old is confident of claiming his seventeenth professional victory on Saturday night.

“I came here for the win,” said Juarez. “I have watched a lot of video and I know where Abass’ weaknesses are. I’m ready to go and I can’t wait to return to Mexico as the winner!”

The monumental event will see Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history and feature stars from both stables.

Team Sauerland’s unbeaten heavyweight prospect Kem Ljungquist (9-0, 5 KOs) features on the bill against Ukraine’s German Skobenko (5-4-2, 2 KOs) alongside IBO International Super Lightweight Champion Artem Harutyunyan (8-0, 5 KOs) who takes on Argentinian Miguel Cesario Antin (19-4, 8 KOs).

All the action from the Work Your Champ Arena will be broadcast live on SPORT1 in Germany and Viaplay in Denmark.

Two of Team Sauerland’s most exciting talents Abass Baraou (8-0, 5 KOs) and Sophie Alisch (5-0, 1 KO) step back into the squared circle on January 25th in Hamburg, in a historic evening that will see Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history. 

Baraou enjoyed a fruitful 2019 claiming four victories, including wins over former World Champions Carlos Molina and Ali Funeka, he also won the WBC International Super Welterweight title and made his International and UK debuts, claiming stoppage victories over Abdelghani Saber in Dubai and John O’Donnell in London. 

The unbeaten 25-year-old, ranked number 9 in the IBF world rankings and number 15 with the WBC, is hoping to use the January fight as a springboard to another successful year as he looks to push himself into world title contention. 

Also returning to action is highly rated 18-year-old prospect Sophie Alisch. Alisch claimed five victories in her first year in the professional ranks and caught the fans attention with her slick skills and aggressive style.

“This show will be pure fireworks and sets the bar for 2020,” said Team Sauerland promoter Nisse Sauerland. “Whenever the countries two biggest and oldest promoters combine forces to send their best into the ring, it is great news for German boxing and the fans.

“We will see three hours of high level boxing on SPORT1 and I am sure Abass and Sophie will once again demonstrate their great skills and huge potential!”

Also on the card is IBO International Super Lightweight Champion Artem Harutyunyan (8-0, 5 KOs), Robert Harutyunyan (8-0-1, 3 KOs) and James Kraft (16-0-1, 9 KOs). Further fights and opponents will be announced shortly. 

All the action from the Work Your Champ Arena will be broadcast live on SPORT1.

Abass Baraou (7-0, 4 KOs) will make his UK debut on October 26 at The O2 in London as the unbeaten German super welterweight sensation faces John O’Donnell (33-2, 11 KOs) on the World Boxing Super Series undercard, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Baraou makes a quick return to the ring following an emphatic second round TKO victory in Dubai over Abdelghani Saber in September, and will be aiming for victory number eight in London as he defends his WBC International title against the in-form former Commonwealth and British champion O’Donnell, who enters the ring on the back of nine straight victories.

“I’m looking forward to boxing in London after just making my international debut in Dubai,” said Baraou. “Boxing is huge in England and I’m looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in The 02.

“I am always looking for new challenges and my promoter Team Sauerland make that possible again and again. Since my last fight I’ve gone straight back into camp and there’s nothing in the way of me becoming victorious and defending my title!”

O’Donnell, an experienced contender, who got his first taste of international action on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s battle with Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, believes the time has come too soon for Baraou.

“You can’t buy experience. When I boxed in Vegas it was probably a bit too early for me, I think Abass will experience this against me.

“The fans are in for a great fight and I’m absolutely buzzing. I would like to thank MTK, Eddie Hearn, WBSS and Team Sauerland for the opportunity.”

“Fighting on the World Boxing Super Series undercard and on TV worldwide is another opportunity for Abass to showcase his talent,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “The British fight fans are some of the best in the world and they will love Abass, he’s slick, quick and has an all action aggressive style.

“We believe he’s going to reach the very top of the sport. He has already beaten two former World Champions and we aren’t too far from targeting the current World Champions.”

World Boxing Super Series super lightweight finalists Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) and Josh Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs) headline the huge show at The 02 Arena as both fighters compete for the Ali Trophy, IBF and WBA World titles, WBC Diamond title and the prestigious Ring magazine strap.

London favourite Dereck Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) takes on former World champion Joseph Parker (26-2, 20 KOs) in a hotly anticipated heavyweight duel, while fellow Londoner Lawrence Okolie (13-0, 10 KOs) looks to add another belt to his collection as he challenges Yves Ngabu (20-0, 14 KOs) for the Belgian’s European Cruiserweight title. 

Former World Champions Ricky Burns (43-7-1, 16 KOs) and Lee Selby (27-2, 9 KOs) meet in an intriguing lightweight clash, whilst young talent Conor Benn (15-0, 10 KOs) continues his education in the paid ranks. 

All the action from the 02 Arena is available to watch live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and  DAZN in the US. Tickets are available online via www.AXS.com. 

Team Sauerland’s German contender and WBC International super welterweight champion Abass Baraou (6-0, 3 KOs) will fight on the international stage for the first time professionally at the ‘Rotunda Rumble’ in Caesars Palace Dubai on September 13. 

The action packed evening, promoted by Ahmad A. Seddiqi’s Round 10 Boxing in association with MTK Global, takes place in The Rotunda at Caesars Palace, a stunning 500-seater venue that is an internationally renowned entertainment destination. 

Following an esteemed amateur career that saw Abass win a bronze medal in the world amateur championships and gold at the European’s, he has moved quickly in the paid ranks. Since turning professional in April 2018, Baraou has won his six professional fights including victories over former World Champions Carlos Molina and Ali Funeka.

“I am really looking forward to my fight in Dubai and I would like to thank my promoter Team Sauerland for this opportunity,” said Baraou. “It will be my first international fight, which will help me to grow as a boxer and gain more experience.

“On top of everything, ‘Caesars Palace’ is a well known brand in boxing and the location in Dubai is top notch. I have been in Dubai quite often for vacation and I am really happy to fight there as well.”

“Abass has made a name for himself in Germany during his first year as a professional boxer,” said Baraou’s promoter Nisse Sauerland. “He has fought six outstanding fights, winning two titles already and has showcased his skills to the world of boxing.

“Without doubt he is one of the greatest talents out there. He will gain a lot of experience during his first fight away from his home country and I am sure he will leave a mark on the international stage!”

Ahmed A. Seddiqi of Round 10 Boxing added: “We’re delighted to have Abass Baraou added to our huge Rotunda Rumble event. He’s regarded as one of the best rising stars in boxing and we can’t wait to have him display his skills in Dubai.”

In the opposite corner will be Egypt’s unbeaten power puncher Abdelghani Saber (8-0-1, 8 KOs). Also on the card is a clash between Neslan Machado (16-0, 8 KOs) and Alexander Mejia (13-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA International super-bantamweight title, world-ranked Muhammad Waseem, highly-rated star Andrew Selby and many more local and international names.

The fight will be broadcast live on Youtube on IFL TV and tickets are available here: http://po.st/CaesarsDubaiBoxing

Abass Baraou (5-0, 2 KOs) claimed the WBC International Super Welterweight title with a unanimous points decision against Carlos Molina (29-11-2, 8 KOs) last night at the CGM Arena in Koblenz, Germany.

Baraou has made a sensational start to his professional career since joining the paid ranks in April 2018. The 24 year-old took home the German title in his second professional bout, outclassing Denis Krieger, before successfully defending the belt with the second-round stoppage of Robert Maess.

Molina provided an early acid test for the German talent, whose work rate and punch selection earned him a hard-fought victory over the former World Champion. Judges Esa Lehtosaari and Juan Carlos Pelayo scored the fight 115-112 in favour of Baraou, while Juergen Langos had him ahead 118-109.

“I was expecting a very good fight, a tough fight, and that is what I got,” said Baraou. “I went through hell training for this fight, but it was worth it. To win this title so early in my career is a great honour for me. I can’t believe it!”

“That was a remarkable performance from Abass,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland, having witnessed the 2017 European Championship Gold and World Championship Bronze Medallist capture the WBC International belt. “He really showed his class in there. To defeat Molna, a former World Champion, like that in just his fifth professional fight is really something special.”

On the undercard, Leon Bunn extended his unbeaten run with a one-sided points win over Viktor Polyakov. “I don’t want to make any big predictions, but I hope I’ll be fighting for big titles soon,” said the light heavyweight, now 13-0.

Anthony Yigit got back to winning ways, outpointing Mohamed Khalladi, following his unsuccessful IBF World title attempt in the World Boxing Super Series. “It’s good to be back,” he said. “We got the win after a pretty dirty fight. He was a awkward fighter who he hit me more with his head than his fists.”

17 year-old amateur star Sophie Alisch started her professional career in style, stopping Sopo Kintsurashvili in the opening round at the CGM Arena. “It was awesome,” she said. “The feeling of being up there in the ring was unbelievable. I would like to thank everybody who came to support me.”

Also on the card was the rematch between Jama Saidi and Arman Torosyan for the IBF European Super Welterweight title. Saidi produced a superb performance, dropping Torosyan with a heavy shot in the second round on his way to claiming a comfortable points victory.

BARAOU AND MOLINA MAKE WEIGHT, READY FOR WBC TITLE CLASH

Abass Baraou (4-0, 2 KOs) will look to continue his rise up the super welterweight ranks as he faces former World Champion Carlos Molina (29-10-2, 8 KOs) for the WBC International title tomorrow night in in Koblenz.

The hottest prospect in German boxing returns to action following victories over Artur Mueller, Denis Krieger, Robert Maess and Sasha Yenhoyan, and challenges for his first major title against Chicago-based Mexican Molina.

WBC International Super Welterweight Championship:
Abass Baraou: 69.7 kg
Carlos Molina: 69.1 kg

The undercard sees Leon Bunn attempt to extend his uneaten run against Ukraine’s Viktor Polyakov, Jama Saidi defend his IBF European Super Welterweight title versus Arman Torosyan, Anthony Yigit take on Mohamed Khalladi, and Sophie Alisch make her paid debut against Sopo Kintsurashvili.

Light Heavyweight – 10 Rounds:
Leon Bunn: 79.6 kg
Viktor Polyakov: 78.2 kg

IBF European Super Welterweight Championship:
Jama Saidi: 69.1 kg
Arman Torosyan: 69.6 kg

Super Lightweight – 8 Rounds:
Anthony Yigit: 64.7 kg
Mohamed Khalladi: 64.7 kg

Featherweight – 4 Rounds:
Sophie Alisch: 56.5 kg
Sopo Kintsurashvili: 56.2 kg

Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Slawa Spomer: 72.8 kg
Igor Fanian: 73.2 kg

Welterweight – 4 Rounds:
Yves Barz: 66.4 kg
Andrei Staliarchuk: 66.1 kg

Middleweight – 4 Rounds:
Feizu Culhai: 71.7 kg
Sabri Ulas Goecmen: 67.2 kg

Limited tickets are available online via www.eventim.de.