Ismael Salas, Coach of Yordenis Ugas, believes that Errol Spence Jr. not the same warrior: “Missing something”

By: Hans Themistode

Like many people in the boxing world, Ismael Salas grabbed a seat near his TV, leaned back, and watched carefully as Errol Spence Jr and Danny Garcia traded mid-court moves in December. 2020.

About a year ago, it seemed unbelievable that the Dallas-born man would survive his horrific auto accident, let alone the box again. In September 2019, Spence Jr successfully cut off reigning world champion Shawn Porter, winning his WBC title at the Staples Center of Los Angeles, California.

Although he just turned 32 and was delighted with his victory, he was violently thrown from his tall horse when he was thrown from his sports car in October 2019, in a crash. horror touch.

Despite the terrifying videos that have been released, Spence Jr only suffered scratches to his face, a few broken teeth and only minor injuries. In total, Spence Jr will spend just over a year in the recovery room before facing Garcia, a former two-world player.

With the highest expectations, Salas meticulously watched every second of every minute. Although Spence Jr will win a broad decision tonight, Salas put his hand on his chin as he began to reflect on what he had just witnessed. After diving deeper into Spence Jr.’s performance, Salas believes he’s not the fierce fighter he once was. Even now, nearly a year and a half later, Salas still cannot identify the missing ingredient in the unifying game of weight champions.

“In my personal opinion, it’s not something that can take him away but he’s not like the man who fought Shawn Porter but more like the man who fought Danny Garcia,” Salas explained to a group of reporters. “Something was missing. He was missing something there. For the reason? I don’t know. Could be fire, could be scales. Many reasons.”

The disappointment on Salas’ face was instantly erased as he focused back on the WBA champion, Yordenis Ugas. With the match set to end on April 16, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, Salas worked diligently with Ugas as they attempted to strip Spence Jr of his championship title.

Of course, Ugas came to prominence after his improbable win over Manny Pacquiao in August 2021. Ironically, Ugas was called up after Spence Jr was forced to withdraw due to a subsequent retinal detachment that resulted in surgery. .

While Salas believed Ugas would succeed in his quest to become a unified champion, when asked if he believed Spence Jr would be himself on the old fight night, Salas replied boredly. discouraged.

“We hope so, we hope so.”