YORDENIS UGAS, a Cuban fighter who replaced Errol Spence Jr. to fight Manny Pacquiao, said that a win would 'define his legacy'.
Ugas's story began in Cuba, where he was an amateur boxer.
Manny Pacquiao fights Yordenis Ugas
In 2005, he won the Worlds gold medal. Three years later, he left Beijing Olympics with a bronze award.
Ugas believed that his business was in the unpaid ranks and he defected from Cuba, believing he was a Cuban legend.
Cuba prohibits boxers from becoming professional, so they must try to sneak out to chase their world titles ambitions.
Ugas was no exception. He traveled to Mexico and Miami on a small raft, with his journey taking him two days.
Even though he was afraid for his life, he kept his dream of seeing the biggest fights in boxing alive.
Fast forward 11 years, and he is now the only champion in eight divisions of boxing, Pacquiao.
Ugas, 35 years old, said to SunSport that "This fight is what I have always hoped and worked towards ever since I began boxing in Cuba."
"This is the fight that will determine my legacy."
Guillermo Rigondeaux (40), Yuriorkis Gamoa (39), and Erislandy Lara (38) were all Cuban leaders who fled to America in the past.
Ugas' story is still far from over, but he wants to make it before he hangs up his gloves.
He stated that he focuses on working hard and controlling the things we can control. That's what my team and I do in the gym.
"There have been many great Cuban fighters before me, and there will be many others after me.
"It will be an honor to be mentioned alongside all the great Cuban champions."
Ugas made his professional debut in 2010 when he arrived Stateside.
After winning his first 11 fights, he lost to Johnny Garcia in 2012.
Despite bouncing back with four victories, Ugas was unable to overcome Emmanuel Robles, then Amir Imam, in 2014.
The former Olympian was so affected that he suddenly quit the sport.
Ugas was a New Jersey resident at the time. He then began to take on odd jobs to make ends work until he received a phone call that turned his life around.
Aroldis Chapman was a former baseball star and offered his friend, a fellow defector, a lifeline.
Chapman offered Ugas money to train in Las Vegas and return to boxing, which Ugas took with both hands.
After returning in 2016, Ugas was busy signing for Al Haymon, a mysterious boxing mogul. He won eight fights in two year.
In 2019, he finally won his world title, but was defeated by Shawn Porter (33), for the WBC welterweight championship belt.
Ugas was determined to reward his difficult career with gold.
He won twice more after defeating Porter. In September 2020, he challenged American Abel Ramos (30) for the WBA's secondary "Regular" belt.
The champion was still the Filipino icon Pacquiao (42), who had won the entire version against Keith Thurman (32) a year before.
However, controversy erupted in January when PacMan was DISQUALIFIED of his title due to inactivity despite not being able to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Ugas was elevated to champion and a debate ensued. This set up the perfect decision in Vegas.
He stated that Saturday's winner would be the WBA champion.
It was a great fight, and the WBA crown was in the bag. However, the headliner at welterweight proved to be the perfect fight.
Unbeaten Texan SPENCE, the WBC champ and IBF champion, was due to defend their titles against Pacquiao.
However, he was injured in sparring and had to withdraw. Ugas, who was scheduled to be on the undercard, was also forced out by Fabian Maidana (29).
Coincidentally Maidana suffered an eye injury as well, so it was a lucky turn that Ugas and Pacquiao were both left without any opponents.
It was a simple solution. Ugas is now free to make his public debut, and the entire world is watching.
He stated that Errol Spence was his first priority and that he wished him a speedy recovery.
"I was thrilled to have the chance to fight with a legend such as Manny Pacquaio.
"He's one the greatest fighters of all time, much respect but now it's your turn to fight. I want to prove the world that I can beat a legend.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://secondsaway.co.uk/boxing/tyson-fury-says-hes-started-training-camp-for-the-deontay-wilder-trilogy-bout-and-vows-that-hellsmash-it-again
