I changed trainers and made changes in my life. “The change of division was good,” said Ugas, regarding the move from 140- to 147-pounds. “ I’m looking at the hardest night of my career, but I will succeed. He looked better than ever, winning a clear 10-round unanimous decision.ĭefeating James kickstarted an eight-fight winning streak that included an impressive unanimous decision win over welterweight contender, Thomas Dulorme on the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor undercard in August 2017. Upon his return, Ugas was thrown into the fray with an unbeaten up-and-comer in Jamal James. “As you can see, he's now been beating undefeated guys.” “I told him if you want to move to the next level, you have to be very focused and very motivated,” said Salas. He also moved from Miami to Las Vegas while enlisting Salas as his new head trainer. When Ugas returned to the ring in 2016, he did so as a welterweight. Just many different personal problems and distractions.”

“His wife was sick, and then later on pregnant.

“He had many personal problems,” said Salas, who also migrated from Cuba to the United States.

The idea was always to return to the sport and compete.” “At that time, I was reflecting and organizing my life,” said Ugas. Following that fight, Ugas took a two-year break from the sport. Both fights were close, controversial split-decision verdicts that did not go his way.Īfter losing for a third time, this time in clear fashion to super lightweight contender Amir Imam in May 2014, the former amateur-standout knew he had to make a change if he was to succeed in the professional ranks.

The first two of his three defeats came against then-undefeated fighters, Johnny Garcia and Emanuel Robles. He began his professional career in Miami, without Salas, and started with an 11-0 record at super lightweight.ĭespite the strong start, Ugas, 32, went 3-3 in his next six fights to drop his record to 14-3. “When Yordenis was down in Miami, he had a lot of distractions,” said Ismael Salas, head trainer of the top-rated welterweight contender.Īfter winning bronze at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Ugas turned professional in 2010 and relocated from his home in De Santiago, Cuba, to America. Miami, Florida isn’t exactly a work destination, as Yordenis Ugas can attest.

Fight night champion boxer styles