He may not get Manny Pacquiao, but WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) has now positioned his focus on a unification with WBA champion Yordenis Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs).
Spence had been targeting a high stakes unification with Pacquiao.
The Filipino superstar has been inactive since July 2019, when he captured the WBA title with a twelve round split decision win over unbeaten Keith Thurman.
On Friday, due to inactivity, the World Boxing Association removed Pacquiao from his world title position and made him a “champion in recess.”
At the same time, the sanctioning body elevated Ugas from “regular” champion to “super” champion status at welterweight.
The WBA’s maneuvering will allow Spence to secure another pay-per-view dance partner.
And given that both boxers are under the Premier Boxing Champions banner – it won’t be a difficult fight to make.
Spence returned to the ring last month, when he dominated mandatory challenger Danny Garcia over twelve rounds at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Ugas has won three in a row since a twelve round split decision loss to Shawn Porter in 2019. There were observers who felt Ugas had done enough to win that encounter, with one of the official judges scoring it 117-111 in his favor. Porter secured the win with scores of 115-113 and 116-112.
Ugas was in the ring in September – defeating Abel Ramos over twelve rounds for the vacant WBA ‘regular’ title.
The Cuban boxer has called for a showdown with Spence on several occasions – with little to no interest in return.
Upon discovering that Ugas was elevated by the WBA – Spence took to social media to express his interest in the fight.
“All you needed was something I want. Strap season,” Spence stated.
And Ugas quickly responded with interest of his own – letting Spence know that he was ready to go.
“I have it. We are going to do it for three [world] championships. Let’s give the fans a great fight. I’m ready,” Ugas said.
Credit:Boxingscene
