[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    HONORING YORDENIS UGAS HERNANDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 19, 2022

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Yordenis 
Ugas Hernandez for his exceptional athletic accomplishments, fierce 
patriotism, and dedication to the cause of freedom for the Cuban 
people.
  Mr. Ugas said on August 12, 2021, ``I'm a fighter not only inside of 
the ring, but outside of the ring; I fight for the freedom of my 
people. That's the most important thing to me. I hope that all those 
who fight for freedom in Cuba are safe and know that I will fight for 
them on Saturday, August 21.'' He also stated that, ``I'm dedicating 
this fight to all my fellow Cubans fighting for freedom every day. I 
want to make history for my legacy and for all the Cubans around the 
world. This will be huge for the entire Latin community.'' Mr. Ugas 
reportedly listened to the pro-freedom Cuban song ``Patria y Vida'' 
(``Homeland and Life'') when heading into the ring for the fight, and 
went on to win that boxing match against longtime champion, Manny 
Pacquiao. After his historic win, he exclaimed, ``Homeland and Life, 
Homeland and Life, not Homeland or Death,'' which is a phrase that has 
become a mantra for Cuba's pro-democracy movement.
  Mr. Ugas is not just a fighter in the ring; he is a freedom fighter. 
He survived being sent to a Cuban prison, which was a punishment he 
endured simply for attempting to escape oppression. He ultimately was 
able to enter the United States in 2010. Since then, not only has Mr. 
Ugas thrived in his field, but he has become an inspiration to people 
seeking freedom all over the world.
  Madam Speaker, I admire this talented and spirited athlete who left 
Cuba, but has never left the Cuban people. He has repeatedly expressed 
his solidarity with those brave leaders and activists on the island who 
are risking everything for liberty. Mr. Ugas has inspired a new 
generation of Cubans both in Cuba and in exile, and I commend him for 
his fierce dedication and potency--both inside and outside the ring.

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