LAS VEGAS, NV. -- While most people were making plans to go out Friday night, Harlingen’s Esteban Almaraz was busy working in the boxing ring.

Almaraz (10-5, 4 KO’s) received the opportunity of a lifetime as he appeared on ESPN’s” Friday Night Fights”  and faced undefeated prospect Yordenis Ugas (11-0-0) from Cuba in the 8-round co-featured bout on the Chris Martin and Teon Kennedy card.

Even though the fight lasted the entire 8-rounds, Almazaz wasn’t able to pull off the upset as he lost to Ugas via unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 79-72, 79-72 and 80-71.

Ugas didn’t waste any time going to work as he landed a right hand which sent Almaraz to the canvas in the first round.  Almazaz was able to answer the referee’s standing 8-count and the two fighters went back at it. 

Even though Ugas wasn’t able to capitalize on the knock down, he was able to control the remainder of the fight with his right hand and several body shots.

Almaraz was consistent though throughout the fight and at times in the later rounds, appeared to become more aggressive. 

But, he suffered a cut above his eye in the 8^th round due to an accidental head butt. 

In the main event, Kennedy (17-1-2, 7 KO’s) and Chris Martin (23-1-3, 6 KO’s) battled to a majority draw.