Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) produced a devastating performance to claim a fifth-round TKO win over Abraham Juarez (16-5, 5 KOs) last night at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

The historic evening saw Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history, and Baraou, the headline act, put in a spectacular performance befitting of such an occasion.

From the first bell the 25-year-old demonstrated why many fight fans believe he is the man to restore German boxing to its glory days, showcasing slick combinations and unnerving power to unsettle his opponent and delight the crowd.

With just 10 seconds remaining in the fourth round, the WBC International Super Welterweight Champion produced an electric eight-punch combination to send Juarez crashing to the canvas, and as the fifth round approached, Juarez’s corner waved off the fight to seal Baraou’s sixth stoppage victory in nine pro fights.

“I started well and I wanted a fast knockout,” said Baraou. “I boxed cleverly and stuck to my tactics. When he met me in the ring I was angry and I wanted him to feel that.

“It’s a shame he couldn’t compete for longer but he was a tough opponent who deserved every respect. My goal for the rest of the year is to improve my boxing and to fight for more international titles!”

Team Sauerland’s Danish heavyweight Kem Ljungquist (10-0, 5 KOs) was also in action, boxing intelligently to win a wide unanimous decision over Ukraine’s German Skobenko (5-5, 2 KOs).

“I wanted the knockout and I know I can do better,” said Ljungquist. “I am a perfectionist so I will never be 100% satisfied, but a victory is a victory. I am ready for the next step and would like to fight for titles soon!’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland was delighted with the evening’s proceedings and predicted a big year ahead for both the Team Sauerland fighters.

“Every time Abass Baraou steps through the ropes you know he’s going to bring excitement,” said Sauerland. “It’s a delight to watch such a special talent in action. It was another sublime display from Abass and we truly believe he is going all the way to the top.

“Kem produced another assured performance to get his tenth victory tonight,” Sauerland continued. “He knows he can do the rounds so it’s time for him to step up and fight for titles.”

Abass Baraou (8-0, 5 KOs) went head to head with Mexico’s Abraham ‘Pitbull’ Juarez (16-4, 6 KOs) for the first time at today’s press conference ahead of their show topping fight on Saturday January 25th at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

Following a successful 2019 that saw Baraou claim four wins, including a victory over former World Champion Carlos Molina for the WBC International Super Welterweight strap, the undefeated 24-year-old is hoping 2020 will be the year that elevates him closer to a World title shot.

Baraou, who has fond memories of Hamburg having won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships in the city, is hoping to create more history on Saturday night as he aims to triumph over the dangerous Juarez.

“It is very special to fight in Hamburg, since I had one of my biggest successes here a few years ago, when I won the bronze medal at the Amateur World Championships,” said Baraou. “It is an honour for me to fight on this historic event having Germany’s oldest and most historic stables promoting a show together!”

Juarez returns to the ring following a second round KO victory over Arturo Herrera in November, and the 23-year-old is confident of claiming his seventeenth professional victory on Saturday night.

“I came here for the win,” said Juarez. “I have watched a lot of video and I know where Abass’ weaknesses are. I’m ready to go and I can’t wait to return to Mexico as the winner!”

The monumental event will see Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history and feature stars from both stables.

Team Sauerland’s unbeaten heavyweight prospect Kem Ljungquist (9-0, 5 KOs) features on the bill against Ukraine’s German Skobenko (5-4-2, 2 KOs) alongside IBO International Super Lightweight Champion Artem Harutyunyan (8-0, 5 KOs) who takes on Argentinian Miguel Cesario Antin (19-4, 8 KOs).

All the action from the Work Your Champ Arena will be broadcast live on SPORT1 in Germany and Viaplay in Denmark.