Tellez defends the interim WBA title against the contestant #1 Baraou on Saturday

Yoenis Tellez makes his first defense of his WBA half -mid -mid -height title against the number 1 contestant, Abass Baraou, this Saturday, August 23, live in Dazn of the Caribbean Royale Orlando, Orlando, Florida.

The Tellez (10-0, 7 kos) underage captured the 154 pounds of 154 pounds earlier this year, defeating Julian “J-Rock” Williams by a wide unanimous decision of 12 rounds on March 1, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. The scores were 119-109, 117-111 and 118-110.

Crawford’s WBA status was questioned

With the current Middle Weight Champion of WBA, Terence Crawford, Not defend their title for more than a year Since winning the Israil Belt Madrimov on August 3, 2024, the World Boxing Association has chosen to delay it and raise the Tellez Provisional Champion to the full champion.

Crawford is jumping up to 168 to challenge Canelo Alvarez for its indisputable Middle Weight Championship on September 13, 2025. Omaha, a native of Nebraska, Crawford, has not mentioned returning to the 154-pound division to recover its WBA title to begin defending.

“Crawford conquered the world title of WBA Super Welterweight World for a year and 18 days, did not defend it and opted for Canelo-Crawford in 168. The fairer would be that the interim champion (Téllez) was promoted and defended this belt, so we can start getting rid of the interim titles,” said Boxa Fernando Sabatini expert. XDiscussing the situation with the title WBA held by Crawford, which has not been defended for more than a year since he won it on August 3, 2024.

The WBA inactivity rule was examined

The fact of stripping the inactive Crawford and raising telle to the full champion would be a logical movement. As Sabatini points out, it would be the ideal time for the WBA to “start undoing the interim titles”.

The flexibility of the WBA with the rules allows Crawford to maintain its 154 -pound title WBA despite its inactivity for more than a year. It has been chosen not to be evicted, which can be used as a backup plan if Canela exceeds September 13.

Recent Tellez wins

Tellez enters his fight against Abass with an impressive amateur training in Cuba. His record as an amateur was 102-7 before he became a professional in 2022. Yoenis, 25, has had recent victories about these four fighters:

– Julian Williams
– Johan Gonzalez
– Joseph Jackson
– Livan Navarro