Abass Baraou

Abass Baraou (born 28 October 1994) is a German professional boxer who has held the WBA light-middleweight title since September 2025. A skilled technician with sharp movement and precise combinations, Baraou is regarded as one of Germany’s most accomplished modern boxers. Before turning professional, he enjoyed an outstanding amateur career, winning gold at the 2017 European Championships and bronze at the 2017 World Championships, both at welterweight.

Born in Aalen, Germany, Baraou spent his early childhood in Togo before returning to Germany at the age of nine. Growing up in Oberhausen, he was introduced to boxing at 13 after being spotted at a local youth center by a coach who recognized his natural power and athleticism. Despite his initial disinterest, Baraou soon excelled, becoming a three-time German national champion and a three-time Chemistry Cup winner, one of the country’s most prestigious amateur tournaments. His 2017 European gold came after a standout victory over England’s Pat McCormack, followed by a bronze at the Hamburg World Championships.

Baraou turned professional on 28 April 2018 under legendary trainer Ulli Wegner, debuting with a fourth-round TKO against Artur Mueller. Within months, he captured the German BDB light-middleweight title and quickly developed a reputation for his intelligent pressure and clean punching. His breakout came in February 2019, when he defeated former world champion Carlos Molina to win the WBC International light-middleweight title, followed by impressive stoppage victories over Ali Funeka, Abdelghani Saber, and John O’Donnell — the latter on the undercard of the Regis Prograis vs. Josh Taylor final in London.

Following an early 2020 win over Abraham Juarez, Baraou began training under renowned British coach Adam Booth in London to refine his technique and globalize his career. Despite pandemic-related setbacks, he remained active, defeating high-caliber European opposition and steadily climbing the world rankings. His measured approach and adaptability in the ring helped him evolve from a pressure fighter into a composed, technical boxer-puncher capable of adjusting mid-fight.

In September 2025, Baraou reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the WBA light-middleweight world championship, marking a major milestone for German boxing. Known for his humility outside the ring and his tactical sharpness inside it, Baraou continues to represent the new wave of European boxing talent — blending discipline, international experience, and a calm, methodical fighting style that has made him a formidable presence in the global 154-pound division.