Yordenis Ugas Plans To Prove He’s Still A Top Contender With A Win Over Mario Barrios

Yordenis Ugas is hoping to prove he’s still a top contender at welterweight against Mario Barrios.

Ugas and Barrios are set to fight on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo undercard on Sept. 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s a big fight as Ugas hasn’t fought since he lost by TKO to Errol Spence Jr., and he knows he still can fight with the best.

“The most important thing right now is not what people might be saying, it’s that I’m healthy and happy. I’m preparing the right way for a great fight against Barrios. I don’t care about anything else,” Ugas said during a Los Angeles press conference (h/t BoxingScene). “I thought I fought well against Errol Spence Jr. and I walked away from the fight knowing I can compete against the best. I want to prove that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world.”

Currently, Yordenis Ugas is a -430 favorite to defeat Mario Barrios, but he isn’t letting that get to him. Instead, he says he knows Barrios is a tough out and isn’t underestimating him one bit.

“Barrios is a strong fighter, a tough fighter … I’m motivated to face an opponent of his caliber,” said Ugas. “There’s a lot at stake in this fight, but this is what I do. I go out and fight the best. I plan to take full advantage of this opportunity. I promise that the fans are gonna see another exciting fight on September 30. This is another chance for me to challenge the best. Win or lose, I always push forward, and that’s what you’ll see on September 30.”

Yordenis Ugas is currently 27-5 and before the loss to Spence Jr., he beat Manny Pacquiao by decision.

Do you think Yordenis Ugas will beat Mario Barrios?