By: Julio Olmo
Spence vs. Ugas will be just the 12th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division and will see Spence fighting in front of his hometown crowd looking to add a third welterweight title and boost his standing as the world’s top welterweight.
Spence holds the WBC and IBF titles and was set to face Manny Pacquiao when Pacquiao held the WBA belt in the summer of 2021.
That fight was scrapped when Spence came up with an eye issue that required surgery, and Yordenis Ugas stepped in, beating Pacquiao to take the belt.
Fresh off of that upset victory over the legendary eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, Ugas will seek another upset victory as he hopes to continue his remarkable run through the division that has seen him win 12 of his last 13 fights since 2016.
There are so many Governing Bodies – Councils – Malicious Influences in Boxing that frequently Top Fighters have to go through all kinds of Hell before they meet one another.
I am #TeamUgas and personally think that the World Boxing Association Did Him Dirty by making Ugas go through some kind of Eliminations Tournament.
The WBA originally denied Ugas’ request for a fight with Spence, as they had Eimantas Stanionis waiting as mandatory challenger.
Now, with Stanionis willing to step aside, WBA President Gilberto J. Mendoza confirmed that Spence-Ugas was approved.
There is no bigger fighting name in Boxing than Manny Pacquiao’s, but Yordenis Ugas wasn’t overwhelmed by the moment.
He won convincingly and sent Pacquiao into Retirement.
Yordenis Ugas says he'd gladly give Manny Pacquiao another shot at the WBA belt 🥊
Would you want to see a rematch? #PacquiaoUgas pic.twitter.com/xgplEOkeoI
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) August 25, 2021
Although Yordenis Ugas came up short in his first fight for a world title, fans saw he was destined to become a world champion.
I think this is a tough fight for Spence and I also think Ugas going to give him Hell.
It’s going to be a lot closer than lots of experts think.
Yordenis Ugas called out Errol Spence, Jr. a while back and it’s finally happening
#SpenceUgas I have asked for this fight for 4 years and he is the only fighter I have called to fight in my career. He comes in the best moment of our careers with three belts. In 2022 is the year to have an undisputed champion at 147lbs. #Indispute #ThankGod pic.twitter.com/R1N3R1t6Tt
— Yordenis Ugas (@YordenisUgas) December 19, 2021