Yordenis Ugás, the Cuban boxing sensation, has made a name for himself in the welterweight division with his exceptional skills and determination.
From his humble beginnings in Santiago de Cuba to becoming a world champion, Ugás has overcome numerous obstacles to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
In this article, you will learn about Yordenis Ugas’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Yordenis Ugas’s Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yordenis Ugás Hernández |
| Nickname | 54 Milagros |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Santiago de Cuba, Cuba |
| Nationality | Cuban |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight Class | Welterweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Early Career
Yordenis Ugás began his boxing journey at the tender age of 6 in Cuba. His talent was quickly recognized, and he was sent to a scholarship school at 12.
As an amateur, Ugás achieved significant success, winning gold medals at the 2003 Pan American Games and the 2005 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
His amateur career culminated with a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, solidifying his status as a top-tier boxer.
Professional Career
Ugás turned professional in 2010 after defecting from Cuba on his seventh attempt.
His early professional career saw ups and downs, including a 2-year hiatus from 2014 to 2016. However, Ugás made a strong comeback under the guidance of trainer Ismael Salas.
The turning point in his career came in 2021 when he defeated boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, retaining his WBA (Super) welterweight title.
Spouse
Yordenis Ugás is engaged to Dayanara Leon, a model who was also born in Cuba and defected.
They have a son together, though details about the child are kept private.
Yordenis Ugas’s Net Worth Details
Yordenis Ugas’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million as of 2025.
Contract
Ugás is currently signed with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), a prominent boxing management and promotional company.
Fight Purses
| Fight | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2021 | Manny Pacquiao | $500,000 (+ PPV share) |
| April 16, 2022 | Errol Spence Jr. | $2.5 million (including PPV share |
Endorsements
Yordenis Ugás has secured several endorsement deals throughout his career, including:
- Everlast (boxing equipment)
- Rival Boxing (gear and apparel)
- Tecate (beer brand)
Fight Stats
| Opponent | Date | Result | Title/Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manny Pacquiao | August 21, 2021 | Win (UD) | Retained WBA (Super) welterweight title |
| Errol Spence Jr. | April 16, 2022 | Loss (TKO) | Lost WBA (Super) welterweight title |
| Shawn Porter | March 9, 2019 | Loss (SD) | WBC welterweight title fight |
| Omar Figueroa Jr. | July 20, 2019 | Win (UD) | Significant welterweight bout |
| Abel Ramos | September 6, 2020 | Win (SD) | Won vacant WBA (Regular) welterweight title |
| Thomas Dulorme | August 26, 2017 | Win (UD) | Notable welterweight bout |
| Jamal James | August 12, 2016 | Win (UD) | Rising contender fight |
| Ray Robinson | February 17, 2018 | Win (TKO) | Impressive performance |
| Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo | September 8, 2018 | Win (UD) | WBC welterweight title eliminator |
| Mario Barrios | September 30, 2023 | Loss (UD) | For the vacant WBC interim welterweight title |
FAQs
1. Who is Yordenis Ugas?
Yordenis Ugas is a Cuban professional boxer known for his success in the welterweight division. Born on July 14, 1986, in Santiago de Cuba, he won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and held the WBA (Super) welterweight title from 2021 to 2022. He is recognized for his technical skills and resilience.
2. What is Yordenis Ugas’ professional boxing record?
Ugas has a professional record of 27 wins, 6 losses, and no draws. Out of his 27 victories, 12 were by knockout, giving him a knockout ratio of 44%. He has boxed a total of 230 rounds since his debut in 2010.
3. What are some of Yordenis Ugas’ career highlights?
Key moments in Ugas’ career include defeating Manny Pacquiao in 2021 to retain his WBA (Super) welterweight title and winning the WBA (Regular) title in 2020 against Abel Ramos. He also had notable victories over Thomas Dulorme and Omar Figueroa Jr.
4. What is Yordenis Ugas’ fighting style?
Unlike many Cuban boxers who rely on slick footwork, Ugas prefers mid-range or close exchanges. He combines technical proficiency with a planted stance to deliver effective counterpunches and body shots, making him a versatile fighter.
5. How did Yordenis Ugas defect from Cuba?
Ugas attempted to escape Cuba six times before succeeding on his seventh try in 2010. He endured two days at sea on a motorboat before reaching Mexico and eventually relocating to the United States to pursue his boxing career.
6. What is Yordenis Ugas’ personal life like?
Ugas is engaged to Dayanara Leon, a Cuban model, and has a son named Yordenis Jr., who has autism. He often credits his family as his greatest motivation and dedicates time to both his personal life and boxing career.
7. What challenges has Yordenis Ugas faced in his career?
Ugas faced setbacks early in his career, including back-to-back losses in 2014 that led to a 27-month hiatus from boxing. After returning under trainer Ismael Salas, he moved up to welterweight and rebuilt his career with an impressive run.
8. What was Yordenis Ugas’ amateur boxing career like?
As an amateur, Ugas was highly successful, winning gold at the 2005 World Championships and bronze at the 2008 Olympics in the lightweight division. His amateur record includes victories over notable fighters such as Terence Crawford and Julius Indongo.
9. Who are potential future opponents for Yordenis Ugas?
Although he does not have a scheduled fight as of now, potential opponents for Ugas include Keith Thurman, Jaron “Boots” Ennis, Conor Benn, Eimantas Stanionis, and David Avanesyan.
10. How did Yordenis Ugas fare against Errol Spence Jr.?
Ugas faced Errol Spence Jr. on April 16, 2022, in a unification bout but lost via tenth-round technical knockout due to a swollen right eye. Despite the loss, the fight showcased his toughness against one of boxing’s elite fighters.
