From the beginning, Zayas set the terms. He shed his leading hand and rounded the middle, forcing Ballau to reposition himself behind a high defender. The footwork has already been mentioned. Zayas touches and moves. Balau followed and waited. The first four rounds saw Zayas struggle with activity and accuracy.

Barao’s right hand started to land in the fifth. It gave him some moments. His pressure looks busy but his output is lagging. Zayas stayed out of range, elected to shoot, and refused to engage in lengthy exchanges. He mixed head and body together and slipped away before the counter arrived.

As the fight progressed, Zayas’ discipline emerged. He didn’t pursue the end. He takes the short trade and then resets. Ballau needed sustained pressure but he never found it. The gap quietly widened, circle after circle.

Why the last few rounds confirmed this

The ninth time brought the most intense exchange. Zayas trades and then opts for the ropes to avoid the slick center, a smart adjustment rather than a retreat. As time passed, Balao’s pressure mounted. Zayas replied calmly.

The twelfth man took the risk. Zayas stood his ground and ended the show with a trade. He finished the boxing, owned the ring, and cleared both judges’ doubts.

This is Zayas’ first WBO title defense and unification. It looks like it was earned. He showed footwork, judgment and a willingness to take action when needed. Barao showed grit and a solid right hand, but lacked controlled volume.

Zayas leaves as the unified super welterweight champion. The level looks good. The timing looks good. A scorecard doesn’t change that.