Yordenis Ugas vs Mario “El Azteca” Barrios media workout quotes
Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios showed off their skills and previewed their upcoming showdown for the Interim WBC Welterweight Title during a media workout in Las Vegas Tuesday before they meet on the Canelo vs. Charlo SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view.
Ugas and Barrios will look to reclaim championship gold in a matchup that will see the former WBA Welterweight Champion Ugas square off against the former 140-pound titlist Barrios. Each fighter is led to the ring by a renowned trainer as Ugas is guided by longtime top trainer Ismael Salas, while Barrios trains under 2022 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year Bob Santos.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com.
Here is what Ugas and Barrios had to say Tuesday from DLX Boxing in Las Vegas:
YORDENIS UGAS
“In the end, it’s about taking each round as seriously as the previous round. I don’t take anything for granted. The goal is to have each and every round go the direction I want it to go.
“I’m not in the prediction business, but what I do is fight elite fighters, give my best every round and let the chips fall where they may.
“I’m used to these big fight atmospheres, but it is very exciting to be on the card with a star as big as Canelo. It’s a great source of pride and I plan to bring my best for all the fans watching.
“It’s beautiful to be fighting here in Las Vegas again. I’m 5-0 in Las Vegas and this is my third time fighting at T-Mobile Arena. I feel at home and absolutely love fighting here in Las Vegas.
“It was both physically and emotionally tough after the Errol Spence Jr. fight. Emotionally I had to carry that loss with me. Now I can redeem myself and put it all in the past. I always knew that I would come back after the fight. My eye got stronger after the surgery and now I feel ready.
“I was so happy to be able to be back in the gym and do what I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I was back in training in December and started sparring again a couple months after that.
“I’m just focused on my fight. I have no clue what Crawford may do with the WBC belt. I’m doing my thing and that’s what I plan to keep doing.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“I’m gonna bring the same intensity that I bring in every fight. I feel a lot more comfortable and settled in at the weight now.
“I’m preparing myself to the best of my ability. We have a very good game plan that we’re getting ready for Ugas. It’s a really hard fight, but those are the type of fights that I like to take. I want to continue to test myself and my ability and my skill in the ring.
“Everything has been really good. I’ve been here in Las Vegas for a few months staying ready. My mind and body are both looking on point right now. It’s exciting.
“I think the move out here to Las Vegas was necessary. I feel sharper than ever and more focused. I get tremendous workouts here. It’s been very beneficial.
“A win in this fight means everything for me and my career right now. It puts me at the top of the division with the best welterweights out there and gets me closer to the bigger world title fights.
“I’m very happy to be here in Las Vegas with Bob Santos. Me and Bob have always had a great relationship and having him as the head coach again is great. We’re gonna be able to accomplish a lot in the next few years.”
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