Errol Spence Jr says layoff and eye injury have only improved him – Ring News 24 | Boxing News

WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr 27-0 (21) says the eye injury he suffered that forced a lengthy layoff will not affect him when he squares off against WBA titleholder Yordenis Ugas 27-4 (14) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on April 16.

The 32-year-old Texan southpaw suffered a torn retina in sparring in the lead up to his scheduled fight against Manny Pacquiao 62-8-2 (39) last August. Cuban Ugas, 35, stepped in at late notice and upset the Filipino legend, defeating him on points and sending him into retirement.

Victory over Ugas will give Spence a clear claim as the best boxer in the world at 147-pounds.

“I can guarantee fireworks on April 16. Ugas is going to give it his all, just like I will. I’m going to put on another great performance in front of my hometown crowd,” Spence said.

“It’s ‘Man Down’ and it’s ‘Strap Season’. I’m the guy everyone is talking about. The motivation I get from my family and friends allows me to push through everything I’ve gone through.

“I want to thank Jerry Jones and the Cowboys for bringing me back and realizing my skills and my potential. We’re going to sell this stadium out and make this a great night. I’m going to put on a great show in front of my fans, my family and the whole Cowboys organization.

“I also have to thank Ugas for agreeing to take this fight with me. He’s a tough competitor who comes to fight. I thought he beat Shawn Porter in 2019 and then he beat Pacquiao with an arm injury. He’s a great warrior, but I believe that it’s my time to show the world that I’m here to win another belt.

“At the end of the day, I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. This is another step toward that goal. I’ve been the shot caller. I’m the big fish at 147.

“My eye has been good. Sparring has been great and I’ve been looking good. I’ve taken some hits and my eye feels great. I haven’t been in the ring in a year and a half, but I’ve been focused and in the gym training every day.

“I feel very sharp right now. My last couple of fights I was really only able to train for about two months. But I’ve been in the gym for the last six months getting ready for this.

“I started my career on Showtime. I had my pro debut and won my first world title on Showtime. This is a reunion of sorts and I’m excited to be back.

“This is going to be a great fight. Ugas always comes to compete. With all respect to Pacquiao, I’m a way different fighter than Pacquiao and at this point I’m a better fighter. Ugas is a real warrior, but I’m hungry too. I’m not letting this opportunity pass by me.

“I’ve been feeling strong. My nutritionist that I added for this camp has been the missing ingredient. I was struggling to make weight and I think that’s the reason that I haven’t gotten a stoppage in my last few fights. This is the first camp in a while that I haven’t put the sauna suit on. It’s been a breath of fresh air. I’m really having fun in this training camp.

“It feels good to be back. It’s a blessing to be in this position. Most people take life for granted until they’re given a second chance, and I’ve been given a second chance in life and a third chance in boxing.”