Yoenis Tellez makes his first defense of his WBA-Tuss-interest junior middleweight title against 1-ranked Abass Baraou on Saturday, August 23, directly on Dazn of the Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando, Florida.
Earlier this year, the unbeaten Cuba-born Tellez (10-0, 7 CO’s) won the 154-pound WBA-Tuss-entitled title and defeated Julian ‘J-Rock’ Williams with a wide 12-round decision on March 1, 2025 in Brooklyn, New York. The scores were 119-109, 117-111 and 118-110.
Crawford’s WBA status questioned
With the current WBA Junior Middle Weight Champion, Terence Crawford, his title no more than a year defend Since winning the belt of Israel Madrimov on August 3, 2024, the World Boxing Association has chosen to postpone him and elevate the interim champion Tellez to the full champion.
Crawford jumps to 168 to challenge Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed Super Middleweight Championships on September 13, 2025. The Omaha, Nebraska native, Crawford, made no mention to return to the 154-pound division to regain his WBA title.
“Crawford won the WBA Super Welterweight World title a year and 18 days ago, did not defend it, and chose Canelo-Crawford at 168. The fair thing would be that the interim champion (Téllez) could be promoted and defended the belt so we could get rid of the interim titles,” Fernando Sabatini said, ” Xand discussed the situation with the WBA title held by Crawford, which was not defended for more than a year since winning it on August 3, 2024.
WBA’s inactivity rule is being investigated
It is a logical step to sprinkle the inactive Crawford and elevate Tellez to the full champion. As Sabatini points out, it would be the ideal time for the WBA to “get rid of the interim titles.”
The WBA’s flexibility with rules enables Crawford to keep his WBA 154-pound title despite its inactivity for more than a year. He is selected not to evacuate it, which he can use as a backup plan if Canelo beats him on September 13.
Tellez’s recent victories
Tellez comes in his fight against Abass with an impressive amateur background in Cuba. His record as an amateur was 102-7 before becoming professional in 2022. Yoenis, 25, had recent victories over these four fighters:
– Julian Williams
– Johan Gonzalez
– Joseph Jackson
– Livan Navarro
Last updated on 08/21/2025
