What is Yordenis Ugás’ boxing record?

Boxing fans had been eagerly anticipating the bout between eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and undefeated WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. since it was announced in May of this year.

But just a few days ago, Spence had no choice but to pull out of the match because of an injury to his left eye. He has been replaced by 35-year-old Yordenis Ugás, a boxer nicknamed “54 Milagros” (54 Miracles) who currently holds the WBA super welterweight title.

Pacquiao will meet Ugás in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21 to battle it out for this title, in the match dubbed “The Show Must Go On”.

How formidable a fighter is Ugás?

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Ugás’ fight to the top

The Cuban-born fighter started boxing at the age of six, and just like his opponent Pacquiao, used the sport to cope with the poverty he faced in youth. Since then he has climbed up the ranks, first proving his mettle as an amateur athlete.

Among his most notable achievements then were winning a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships and a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, both in the lightweight division.

In 2010, he moved to the United States hoping to make his mark among the pros, and make his mark he did.

His career in the US had its ups and downs, once overcoming a 27-month hiatus to eventually become a top welterweight contender.

Ugás: finally a welterweight champion

After ten years as a professional boxer, he finally achieved his dream, outboxing Abel Ramos and winning a 12-round split decision to clinch the vacant WBA (Regular) welterweight title.

In January of this year, Ugás was named WBA (Super) champion, a title previously held by his upcoming opponent Pacquiao who was relegated to “champion in recess” because of inactivity.

Ugás’ boxing record stands at 26 wins (12 of them by knockout), 4 losses and 0 draws.

He is looking forward to the match, and wants to give fans a good fight. “I am a humble and hardworking fighter, who just 5 years ago was 15-3, and with God’s help, hard work, and dedication, became a world champion in boxing’s toughest and most talented division,” Ugás says.

With the Cuban´s determination to stay on top of the welterweights, and Pacquiao’s bid to regain his status as super welterweight champion, August 21’s show promises to be a blistering bout for the belt.