In a bout televised live tonight on FOX and FOX Deportes from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, Yordenis Ugas (25-4, 12 KOs), the welterweight contender from Miami, Florida, by way of Santiago de Cuba, fights hard-hitting Abel Ramos (26-3-2, 20 KOs), from Casa Grande, Arizona, via Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for the vacant WBA welterweight title.

 

Ugas has won 10 of his last 11 fights dating back to 2016. His only blemish during the past four years was a split decision loss to Shawn Porter.

 

“The biggest lesson I learned from the Shawn Porter fight is that I can’t get overconfident,” said Ugas during a recent conference call. “I thought I had it in the bag, and it really wasn’t that way. I have to always be attacking. I can never assume anything, no matter how the fight might look at the moment.”

 

If Ugas defeats Ramos, he will become the first Cuban in over four decades to win a welterweight world title.

 

“I don’t feel any pressure about being the first Cuban welterweight champion in 45 years,” he said. “To me, fighting for Cuba is a big motivation. This isn’t just my dream; this is the dream of an entire country that has waited almost half a century for a Cuban welterweight fighter with a world title. It’s a dream for the whole country.”

 

The Cubans are mad about boxing and vice versa. Those who appreciate highly skilled boxers know that Cuban fighters and the system that nurtured them has been a gift that keeps on giving.

 

“I’ve fought since I was ten years old and overcame everything. I’m just so ready to fulfill this dream I’ve had since I started boxing. I know Ramos will be competitive and give his best, but I’m ready to give the best of myself.

 

“When I heard that I would be fighting Ramos I was very excited, because I knew it would be a great fight that the fans would love. Ramos is a tremendous fighter that never gives up. I congratulate him for winning [his most recent] fight at the last second against Bryant Perrella. He earned every bit of it.

 

“Ramos is a strong fighter who will test me. I’m willing to go to my limits in order to go to my victory. I’m so ready to put on a show on Sunday. I’m ready to show the fans the best performance of my career.

 

“This is about winning, no matter what.”

 

We can expect a competitive fight. Ramos is no slouch. Notwithstanding his three losses, to Regis Prograis (15-0 at the time) in 2015, Ivan Baranchyk (also 15-0) in 2017, and a majority decision to Jamal James (22-1) the following year, Ramos is a damn good fighter who comes to fight and fights to win.

 

“Ugas is right up there with anyone I’ve faced,” said Ramos. “There’s a few guys I faced who have already become champions like Regis Prograis and Maurice Hooker, and Ugas is definitely on their level. We expect nothing but the best Yordenis Ugas.”

 

When asked what we should expect in tonight’s bout, Ramos said, “I think we’re going to see some boxing and some brawling from Ugas. He’s more of a counterpuncher. He is smart and doesn’t make mistakes, so I have to be sharper than I ever have.

 

“I don’t know if he’s overlooking me. That’s his decision and his mentality. If that’s what he’s doing, then that’s better for me.

 

“This is a great opportunity. A victory over Ugas would set me up to face the other top fighters in the welterweight division which is what I’m aiming for.

 

“I have the power to change the fight at any moment.”