Home Boxing News Yordenis Ugas and Mario Barrios looking to inject themselves into world title...

Yordenis Ugas and Mario Barrios looking to inject themselves into world title mix with victory on Saturday night

Yordenis Ugas and Mario Barrios. Photo credit: Esther Lin/Showtime

In a crossroads bout former WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas 27-5 (12) will take on Mario Barrios 27-2 (18) on the undercard of the undisputed super middleweight title fight between champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez 59-2-2 (39) and challenger Jermell Charlo 35-1-1 (19) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night.

“Yordenis Ugas versus Mario Barrios is a must win fight for both guys,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions.

“It’s for an interim world title, so the winner will be in a great position as the dust clears and we see what happens in the 147-pound division.”

Cuban Ugas, 37, won the WBA title with a unanimous decision win over ring legend Manny Pacquiao two years ago. He lost his belt to Errol Spence Jr by 10th round knockout in April last year and has not boxed since.

“I’m really excited to be here once again. I’m fighting a former world champion, so this is gonna be a great show. I’m ready for the challenge,” Ugas said.

“I’ve spent seven years fighting the best in the division and I’m gonna answer all the doubters on Saturday. They’re gonna see what I’m capable of.

“We’re two former champions who put on great fights. Look at the opponents that we’ve fought. The resumes speak for themselves.

“I’ve spent my entire career coming back from adversity over and over again. If you want to see what I still have left, you’ll have to watch Saturday night. It will all be revealed.

“Everyone knows that I’m a world champion, but I’m also a man of the people and someone who represents the Cuban community and that’s really important to me.

“I have a very important fight on Saturday, but I fight on another front and that’s for my people and the message I want to provide for them.

“In Cuba there are political prisoners and I carry their message and fight for them. I represent their message.”

The 28-year-old Barrios of San Antonio, Texas is just as amped to step into the ring.

“I’m just ready and excited to be part of this card. All of these fights from start to finish will be bangers. This is a card you don’t want to miss,” Barrios said.

“Me and my team have had a great camp out here in Las Vegas. I just can’t wait to get in the ring on Saturday and put in work.

“A win on Saturday is crucial. The winner gets put in a great position to contend for the world title. I know it’s not gonna be an easy task, but I don’t like easy fights. That’s why I took the fight with Keith Thurman for my first time at welterweight.

“I know Ugas is coming ready. It’s gonna be a real fight because of what we both bring to the table. I’m so ready to show everyone what I’m capable of.

“Me and my trainer Bob Santos have been putting in work. We’ve had a great camp out here for the last few months. Now it’s my job to take everything from the gym and use it in the ring.

“We’re both very prideful fighters who fight for our people. I fight to represent the Mexicans and those of indigenous descent. It’s gonna be a banger. He comes with it, and so do I.

“Ugas is a great fighter. I’ve had a lot of respect for the person and fighter that he is for many years now. Stepping into the ring with him now is a tremendous honour. This fight has the potential to steal the show because of what we both bring to the ring.”