ON Sunday (September 6) behind closed doors at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Yordenis Ugas defeated Abel Ramos.

Cubaโ€™s Ugas was in command of their 12-rounder, although the judges supplied the drama. Lou Moretโ€™s 117-111 scorecard in favour of Ramos caused consternation but at least Edward Hernandez and Zachary Young had the right winner, both scoring 115-113 for Ugas.

โ€œI have lost three close and divided decisions in Los Angeles. You can already imagine why. My first win in Los Angeles. It has been very difficult to compete here,โ€ Ugas reflected afterwards. โ€œThis is for all Cubans no matter where they live. With hard work, discipline and dedication there is no impossible.โ€

This bout was for the WBAโ€™s regular โ€˜worldโ€™ welterweight title. The WBAโ€™s recognised or โ€˜Superโ€™ welterweight world champion however is Manny Pacquiao.

While Ugasโ€™ claim to being a world champion remains debatable, Ugas is after the high profile fights in the 147lb weight class. โ€œI want all the big names in the welterweight division,” he declared. โ€œI came into this fight in the best shape of my life and it showed.

โ€œI’m so grateful to everyone who helped me along the way. Ramos was a very tough opponent and I knew it was not going to be easy, but I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away.”

Abelโ€™s nephew Jesus Ramos was boxing on the undercard. The 19-year-old prospect scored a second round knockout against the previously unbeaten Esteban Garcia at super-lightweight.