This weekend’s WBC interim welterweight title fight will pit former champion Yordenis Ugas and Mario Barrios against one another as part of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo undercard.
The 37 year Cuban boxer has been out from the ring for more than a year following his loss to Errol Spence Jr. Ugas ( 27-2) will want to clear the air and win another championship.
Barrios, on the other hand, enters the fight fresh off a stunning knockout victory that ended his losing run.
The 28-year-old Barrios ( 27-2)moved up to welterweight in early 2022, losing a decision to former titlist Keith Thurman before beating Jovanie Santiago in February of this year. He says he’s now feeling good at the weight, having come up from 140, and starting his serious career down at 130.
“I’m gonna bring the same intensity that I bring in every fight. I feel a lot more comfortable and settled in at the weight now,” said Barrios at a media workout.
“A win in this fight means everything for me and my career right now,” Barrios said. “It puts me at the top of the division with the best welterweights out there and gets me closer to the bigger world title fights.”
“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,” said Ugas on Tuesday in media statements.
“Barrios is a strong fighter, a tough fighter. I’m motivated to face an opponent of his caliber. 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.”
Barrios and Ugas will be fighting for the interim WBC welterweight title, and that win could lead to a full title if undisputed champ Terence Crawford moves up in weight.
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
