Cuban Yordenis Ugas is closing in on a lifelong dream when he faces Arizona’s Abel Ramos for the vacant WBA Regular 147lbs crown at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday (September 6).
A decorated amateur, who won World Gold in 2005, the dangerous Ugas narrowly missed out on pro glory when he dropped a split decision to then-WBC champion Shawn Porter in March 2019.
Now, aged 34, Ugas feels victory will be a significant moment for his country as he seeks to become the first Cuban-born world welterweight champion since Jose Napoles.
“I’m happy, anxious and excited, all in a good way, because I’m just so ready to fulfil this dream I’ve had since I started boxing, to win a world title,” said Ugas (25-4, 12 KOs). “I know Ramos will be competitive and give his best, but I’m ready to give the best of myself and reach my dream
“This isn’t just my dream; this is the dream of an entire country that has waited almost half a century for a Cuban welterweight fighter with a world title. It’s a dream for the whole country. I want to represent my country and make them proud.
“I don’t feel any pressure about being the first Cuban welterweight champion in 45 years. To me, fighting for Cuba is a big motivation. I’ve fought since I was ten-years-old and overcame everything. Right now, I just want to make my country proud. I want to show my best effort on Sunday night.
“The biggest lesson I learned from the Shawn Porter fight is that I can’t get overconfident. I thought I had it in the bag, and it really wasn’t that way. I have to always be attacking. I can never assume anything, no matter how the fight might look at the moment.
“This is about winning, no matter what. Regardless of how we get there. Ramos is a strong fighter who will test me. I’m willing to go to my limits in order to go to my victory, no matter what method I need to achieve my goal.”
The PBC Fight Night will be broadcast live on FOX and FOX Deportes in the US from 8pm ET/5pm PT.
Main image: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions.