One of the two titles welterweight championship belts Errol Spence does not possess is up for grabs on the Pacquiao-Spence undercard. WBA champion Yordenis Ugas will defend his belt against Fabian Maidana one fight before Spence and Pacquiao step into the ring.
The fight is Ugas` first defense of the title he won last September against Abel Ramos. The belt Ugas won that night was an alternate version of the WBA title. Many boxing insiders expected the association to reinstate Pacquiao as its primary champion for the Spence fight. However, the WBA surprised many in the boxing world by elevating Ugas as its primary champion.
Fabian Maidana is the younger brother of Marcos Maidana. The elder brother is well-known for his ferocious fighting style and two epic battles against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.
Fabian Maidana is 18-1 as a professional fighter and not nearly well-known as his brother. He is also a considerable underdog against Ugas. The fight against Ugas is the first attempt for Maidana at a world championship.
Yordenis Ugas is 35 years old with a professional record that includes 26 wins and four losses. Ugas has 12 victories by knockout.
Yordenis Ugas won a bronze medal in 2008 for his native Cuba and enjoyed an impressive career as an amateur. Notable victories as a professional include wins over Jamal James and Ray Robinson. Ugas also suffered a controversial loss to former world champion Shawn Porter.
Two former welterweight champions, Robert Guerrero and Victor Ortiz will also compete on the Pacquiao-Spence undercard. Both fighters have already retired from the sport once and are expected to call it quits for good shortly.
Reports also have Mark Magsayo and Julio Ceja facing off in the 126-pound division. Magsayo, promoted by Manny Pacquiao, is undefeated in 22 fights as a pro and is taking a step up in competition.
Julio Ceja is 32-4-1 with 28 knockouts as a professional. He fought to a draw against current 122-pound champion Brandon Figueroa in his last professional outing.