By Brent Brookhouse
April 16, 2022
Source: CBS Sports
Photo Source: Boxing Scene
The pair of welterweights will meet to unify three of the four recognized titles in Arlington, Texas.
Big-time boxing is once again back in the Lone Star State. AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is set to play host to a massive welterweight unification bout on Saturday night. Homegrown talent Errol Spence Jr., who has had three of his last four bouts take place at "Jerry World," will put his IBF and WBC titles on the line when he meets WBA champion Yordenis Ugas in the main event of a Showtime PPV. The action gets underway on PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
Spence bounced back from the horrific car accident in October 2019 with an impressive showing against Danny Garcia in December 2020. He was expected to battle legendary champion Manny Pacquiao in 2021, but suffered a fractured orbital bone in training camp and was forced to withdraw. In his place stepped Ugas, who beat Pacquiao to claim the WBA crown. Now, the men battle with the potential of an undisputed bout in the near future as WBO titleholder Terence Crawford mulls his next move.
"I'm a warrior. I'm a competitor. I've been facing adversity ever since I was six or seven years old," Ugas said at the final press conference. "I've been fighting ever since I was a little kid. This is nothing new to me. I promise you blood, sweat, and everything that I have to give for my country and for my fans.
"People know my story by now. I came back from being 15-3 [following a two-year layoff] back in 2016 and ever since then, I have established myself as part of the elite in this division. If [Spence] is the big fish, I belong in that same tank because I'm willing to swim with the big fishes whenever, wherever."
The undercard fills out with fun fights in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions. Veteran Isaac Cruz is set to take on another veteran in Yuriokis Gamboa at 135 pounds. Jose Valenzuela faces off with Francisco Vargas at lightweight as well. Plus, veteran Josesito Lopez is back when he takes on undefeated prospect Cody Crowley at 147 pounds.
Meanwhile, all-action prospect Brandun Lee returns on the prelims when he faces Zachary Ochoa at 140 pounds.
Below is the complete fight card as well as the latest odds from Caesars Sportsbook. Some odds will not post until later in the week. Be sure to stay tuned to this page all week long for the latest news, analysis and betting advice for the massive event in Arlington, Texas, this weekend.
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