He got his wish, becoming the unified WBA and WBO 154-pound champion with a split decision over Abass Baraou on Saturday at Coliseo De Puerto Rico in San Juan. If the stars align again, Zayas will have an opportunity to add a third world title to his collection next time out.

The 23-year-old called for a fight against newly-crowned IBF beltholder Josh Kelly in another unification clash.

"[Josh] Kelly just won tonight," Zayas said. "If he wants to get it on by the summer, I would like to invite him to Puerto Rico or New York."

Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) traded knockdowns before upsetting Bakram Murtazaliev (23-1, 17 KOs) by 12-round majority decision to win the title six hours earlier in Newcastle, England.

Zayas also called out Vergil Ortiz (24-0, 22 KOs), Jaron 'Boots' Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) and WBC titleholder Sebastian Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KOs).

Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) is the first Puerto Rican to become a unified champion on home soil, joining featherweight titlist Amanda Serrano, junior flyweight Rene Santiago and The Ring’s No. 10-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, strawweight king Oscar Collazo, as the country's reigning unified beltholders.

Zayas' advantage in speed, skill and footwork was evident from the opening bell, building an early lead.

Baraou (17-2, 9 KOs) entered with the WBA title and delivered a spirited effort, though struggled to corral the fleet-footed Zayas, who kept the majority of their exchanges in center ring.

The German's best success came on the inside, forcing Zayas along the ropes which led to some of the fight's best exchanges. Sensing he was in need of a finish, the 31-year-old fervently worked to close the gap searching for a fight-changing shot in the final round and Zayas didn't shy away as both traded for much of that frame.

Zayas, along with much of the audience, held their collective breath when Jimmy Lennon Jr. announced the fight was scored a split decision. Judge Oliver Brien scored the bout 116-112 for Baraou, but was rightfully overruled by judges Patrick Morley and Jose Roberto Torres, who both scored it 116-112 in Zayas' favor.

"I was a bit scared [after hearing split decision]," Zayas said. "But to be honest, I knew I pulled it off [and won] at least eight or nine rounds.

The humble Baraou conceded he didn't believe he won the fight and praised Zayas' performance. Having spent around 80 rounds sparring one another across several training camps in South Florida previously, the pair put aside their friendship for the biggest bout of their careers.

"He did an amazing job," Baraou said. "Beat me fair and square. I like him, proud of his performance. Such a young guy, unified world champion, he deserved it. What can I say? Congratulations, and I will be back."

Zayas promised after the win that Saturday was a sign of things to come.

"I'm just 23," Zayas said. "I'm just getting started."