If Xander Zayas can defeat Abass Baraou, he will become the youngest unified world champion in the sport today.

WBO super welterweight champion Zayas of Puerto Rico will face WBA 154-pound belt holder Barao in San Juan on Saturday night.

This will be the 23-year-old Zayas’ first fight since winning the world title. “I’m in it for the glory!” he told sky sports.

“Nothing else matters. I’m in it for the glory. I’m in history now and will continue to be. That’s my goal.”

In July, Zayas defeated Jorge Garcia Perez at Madison Square Garden and won the WBO boxing title belt, becoming the youngest defending world champion in boxing. Abdullah Mason, a younger American, surpassed him in November to become lightweight world champion.

Zayas is taking a risk but is also excited about the opportunity to cross another milestone. “To be remembered as a fighter who always faced the best, I’m always looking to make history,” he said.

“I did it when I became the youngest world champion, for just a short minute, and now I’m doing it to go into my first unified defense and, after I win, become the youngest unified champion currently.

“I just feel like history is following me, or I’m following it, and it’s been an amazing journey.”

Balao is a formidable opponent though. “We know what he’s going to bring. A lot of pressure, a lot of volume,” Zayas said. “It’s got the best of both worlds, you’ve got a pure boxer who knows how to adjust, is strong, fast, sharp. You’ve got a boxer who knows how to apply pressure, throw a lot of punches.”

A fight of this magnitude in Puerto Rico would be a special moment for Zayas.

“I certainly want to fight on the island for a long time,” he said. “Now I’m a champion and now I’m going to bring the fight at the 154-pound max weight to the island in front of my people in a unified fashion. It’s everything I dreamed of.”

He sees himself as part of a “new wave” of global boxing talent.

“It’s wonderful to see. That’s what boxing and the world is, that’s life. New generations come in, push other generations, that’s it. When my time comes, and I’m about to quit, there’s going to be another group of stars that come along,” Zayas reflected.

“My biggest goal in life is right in front of me. My biggest goal in my whole career is to be world champion. Now to be unified. There’s nothing else.”

“There’s a lot to prove and a lot to lose. He’s a dangerous fighter. I’m looking forward to the best version of him and come January 31, I’ll prove once again why I am who I say I am.”