Two weeks ago, Yordenis Ugas fought boxing icon Manny Pacquiao on short notice and earned a unanimous decision. The WBA welterweight champion now has another reason to be proud of himself.
Yordenis Ugas is a Cuban native who has found success in America. But he has never forgotten the plight of the people living in his homeland. Miami mayor, Francis Suarez, honored Ugas’ work both in and outside the boxing ring with the ‘Key to the City.’
Mayor Suarez has family ties to Cuba. He commended the WBA champion for highlighting the oppression and brutal dictatorship existing in the country.
“He is more of an activist,” the mayor explained while speaking at the ceremony to honor Ugas. “I knew I had to give him the key to the city.”
“It brings me great joy,” Yordenis Ugas expressed both pride and humility when speaking about receiving the key to the city from Mayor Suarez. “It is a great honor for me that the city with the most Cubans outside of Cuba is welcoming me as a worthy son and a good man of this community.”
Ugas employed a masterful game plan to earn a win over Manny Pacquiao. The win allowed him to silence critics who said he was not the real WBA welterweight champion. Ugas says the victory against such a renowned boxing legend presented him with the opportunity to “bring attention to the oppression people in Cuba are dealing with.”
“I will always fight for freedom,” Ugas promised. “not only in Cuba, but those being oppressed all over the world.”
The group of athletes Ugas joins with his current distinction is both small and elite. Past honorees at ‘key to the city’ ceremonies in South Florida include NBA stars, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade. Florida Marlins pitcher Livan Hernandez, award-winning actor Will Smith, and music superstars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira are also past honorees.