For many athletes hailing from Cuba, they are not just competing for their sake, but also for the family still stuck in the island. Such is the case for welterweight boxer Yordenis Ugas.
Ugas, who will be competing on the undercard of the Danny Garcia vs. Brandon Rios fight on February 17, recently said during a media workout that his upcoming fight will put him one step closer to fighting for a world championship. Ugas, who will be fighting Ray Robinson on February 17 for the No. 2 spot in the IBF rankings, said he will fight for his family, who is still in Cuba.
"This is a chance to reach my dream. I can't cut any corners. I've been working hard each day to be ready for anything my opponent is going to bring. This fight is for my family back home in Cuba. I am ready to take the victory. My opponent is tough but I believe I am the better fighter," Ugas said.
Ugas took a two year-long break from the sport after consecutive losses, Ugas ended up winning all five of his fights which took place within a 12-month span. Ugas' last win was arguably his most important one, as Ugas appeared as a last-minute opponent for Thomas Dulorme on the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor FOX prelims on August 26.
The Ugas vs. Robinson fight will be the serve as the opening bout for the Showtime Championship Boxing card headlined by Danny Garcia vs. Brandon Rios. The winner of Garcia vs. Rios will be the mandatory challenger to the WBC welterweight title after current mandatory challenger Shawn Porter has had his turn at fighting for the title.
