Ugas and Barrios clash for interim WBC welterweight title

On September 30, as part of the Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez vs. Jermell Charlo, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios foght for the interim World Boxing Council welterweight title.

This what they think:

YORDENIS UGAS:

“The most important thing right now is not what people may be saying, it’s that I’m healthy and happy. I am preparing the right way for a big fight against Barrios. I don’t care about anything else.

“Barrios is a strong fighter, a tough fighter and a former world champion. I am motivated to face an opponent of his caliber.

“The stakes are high in this fight, but this is what I do. I go out and fight the best. I plan to make the most of this opportunity.

“I thought I fought Errol Spence Jr. well and I came out of the fight knowing that I can compete against the best. I want to show that I am one of the best welterweights in the world.

“I promise the fans will see another exciting fight on September 30. This is another opportunity for me to challenge the best. Win or lose, I always keep going and that’s what you’ll see on September 30.”

MARIO BARRIOS:

“Every time I am presented with a fight, there is never a name that I say no to. This was no different. Ugas is a tremendous fighter and this is a great opportunity. He was more than happy to accept the fight.

“I’m trying to solidify my brand in this division. It will be a tough fight on September 30. I’ve never seen him back down from a fight and I have a similar style. This one is going to be explosive and you don’t want to miss it.

“We’re both going to do it on fight night. This is an exciting card and an exciting opportunity to fight for an interim world title.

“I expect the best version of Ugás. We both have a lot to prove. A win puts us right up there with all the top welterweights.

“There are a lot of good fights to be made and we are all working to get to the top of the division.

“I was learning with each fight and I got a lot out of my losses. I’m still as hungry as ever. I had my return fight in February in San Antonio and now I’m looking to bring another title home.”

The evening is hosted by Premier Boxing Champions and will be televised on PPV Showtime.