Yoenis Tellez makes his first defense of his WBA interim junior middleweight title against #1-ranked contender Abass Baraou this Saturday, August 23, live on DAZN from the Caribe Royale Orlando, Orlando, Florida.
The unbeaten Cuba-born Tellez (10-0, 7 KOs) captured the WBA interim 154-lb title earlier this year, defeating Julian ‘J-Rock’ Williams by a wide 12-round unanimous 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 middleweight champion, Terence Crawford, not defending his title for over a year since winning the belt from Israil Madrimov on August 3, 2024, the World Boxing Association has chosen to delay stripping him and elevate interim champion Tellez to the full champion.
Crawford is jumping up to 168 to challenge Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed super middleweight championship on September 13th, 2025. The Omaha, Nebraska native, Crawford, has made no mention of returning to the 154-lb division to reclaim his WBA title to begin defending.
“Crawford conquered the WBA super welterweight world title a year and 18 days ago, didn’t defend it, and opted for Canelo-Crawford at 168. The fair thing would be for the interim champion (Téllez) to be promoted and defend that belt, so we can start getting rid of interim titles,” said boxing expert Fernando Sabatini on X, discussing the situation with the WBA title held by Crawford not being defended for over a year since since he won it on August 3, 2024.
WBA’s Inactivity Rule Scrutinized
Stripping the inactive Crawford and elevating Tellez to full champion would be a logical move. As Sabatini points out, it would be the ideal time for the WBA to “start getting rid of the interim titles.”
The WBA’s flexibility with rules allows Crawford to hold onto his WBA 154-lb title despite his inactivity for over a year. He’s chosen not to vacate it, which he can use as a backup plan if Canelo beats him on September 13th.
Tellez’s Recent Wins
Tellez comes into his fight against Abass with an impressive amateur background in Cuba. His record as an amateur was 102-7 before turning professional in 2022. Yoenis, 25, has had recent victories over these four fighters:
– Julian Williams
– Johan Gonzalez
– Joseph Jackson
– Livan Navarro
Last Updated on 08/21/2025
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