Rise of the Cuban phenom: Yoenis Tellez defends the provisional title of WBA against Abass Baraou tonight

Yoenis Tellez (10-0, 7 kos) defends his title of interim weight of the WBA tonight against Abass Baraou (16-1, 9 kos) in a 12-round combat in Dazn in the Royale Resort of Orlando, Florida.

(Credit: most valuable promotions / Joseph Correa)

The main card tonight starts at 8:00 p.m. ET, live in Dazn.

MVP operation order

• Yankiel Rivera vs. Angelino Cordova – Owner
• Yoenis Tellez vs. Abass Baraou – Main Support
• Stephanie Han vs. Paulina Angel
• Jasmine Artiga vs. Linn Sandstrom
• Lucas Bahdi vs. Roger Gutierrez
• Natalie Dove vs. Randee Moles
• Joceyn Camarillo vs Agustina Vazquez
• Ariel Pérez vs. Chris Avila

The next king of the WBA

Tellez, 25, is one of the many former Cuban amateur fighters who reach the ranks. His struggle is a combination of Andy Cruz and David Morrell. It has a technical capacity similar to both, but with heavy hands that has the heavy weighing light morrell.

The WBA has not yet raised telle to the full champion condition. Terence Crawford, the current champion, has not defended the belt since he won last year on August 3, 2024. Once the WBA eliminates Crawford, Tellez will be high. Tonight-Baraou’s struggle this night will determine who will be in an excellent position to be taken to the WBA championship seat once Crawford comes out or stripped.

“He says he has experience and will be able to handle it, but he does not know the type of pressure that I will put in Baraou on Saturday,” said Yoenis Tellez on his opponent, Abass Baraou. “I know exactly what to do.”

Tellez finished his amateur career with a record of 102-7 before becoming a professional in 2020. He left the unanimous 12-round decision on the former IBF and WBA champion, Julian “J-Rock” Williams, on March 1, 2025, at the Brooklyn Barclays Center, New York. Tellez won by the scores 119-109, 117-111 and 118-110.

Baraou’s experience

“I have all the skills and experience. I just need to be myself on Saturday night and do the job,” said Baraou. “It means a lot. I mean, everything has brought to this moment. I have been working hard and I am very happy to be here at this moment and I can’t wait.

“I need to put it under pressure. I need to be on it all night and I don’t think I’m ready for my pressure,” Baraou said.