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WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas has found himself in a lucrative position.
On Tuesday it was officially announced that WBC, IBF champion Errol Spence had suffered an eye injury and was forced to withdraw from his scheduled clash with Manny Pacquiao.
Ugas, who was set to appear in the co-feature, will now face Pacquiao in the main event on August 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao had captured the WBA welterweight title in July of 2019, with a split decision over Keith Thurman.
Because of inactivity, Pacquiao was made the “champion in recess” and Ugas, who held the “regular” title, was elevated to “super” champion status by the WBA.
“It’s an honor to fight the great multiple division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, as I am more than ready to take on this challenge,’’ Ugas said.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight. I’ve been in camp working hard with my coach Ismael Salas and I know together we will come up with a masterful game plan to combat anything Manny will bring to the ring. I wish Errol Spence Jr. a speedy recovery and I want to ensure the fans that I will be at my best for this fight.”
“Everyone knows my story about how I came to America to follow my dreams of becoming a world champion, and now it’s time to stamp my legacy with a victory, as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves. I love my country and I want to dedicate this fight to all the men and women who are fighting for freedom.’’