According to Yordenis Ugas, destiny was undeniably on his side. After bucking the odds and ushering Manny Pacquiao into retirement following his upset victory, Ugas clutched tightly onto his WBA crown. While he could have opted for a softer touch during his next ring outing, Ugas pointed a daring finger squarely in the direction of Errol Spence Jr. and aimed to strip him of his WBC and IBF welterweight titles. 

Although he had his moments, Ugas (27-5, 12 KOs) would eventually crumble underneath Spence’s relentless pressure and pernicious knockout power. In the 10th, in particular, a persistent Spence poured on the combinations, forcing a corner stoppage due to the advice of a ringside physician. Shortly after his defeat, it was revealed that the Cuban born star suffered a broken right orbital bone.

As the former Olympic bronze medalist begins his long road back, he’s hoping that he’ll make his return at some point in 2023.

“God willing, God willing,” said Ugas during an interview with ESNEWS. “Maybe next year.”

Ugas, despite being 36 years of age, is in no way, shape, or form interested in walking away from the sport of boxing. On the contrary, the former welterweight titlist is anxious to face off against boxing’s elite.

After a particularly dreadful stretch in 2014, Ugas took what he believes was a well-needed rest. Once he returned roughly two years later, Ugas reeled off victories in 12 of his next 13 bouts, with his lone blemish coming against Shawn Porter.

Nevertheless, outside of his most recent defeat, Ugas is of the belief that his name should be considered amongst the best of the best. With his lofty welterweight standing seemingly solidified, the 36-year-old divulges that for his next showing, he would love to mix it up against fighters that he considers, upper echelon.

“Vergil (Ortiz), (Jaron) Ennis, (Keith) Thurman all of them.”