Manny Pacquiao will challenge Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight title on August 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. If he wins, ‘Pac-Man’ will become the oldest man to grab the 147 lbs strap and break the record he set against Keith Thurman in 2019.
Pacquiao seemed interested in defending the belt after the fight. However, as Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the world, Pacquiao’s role as the Senator of his home country urged him to devote more time to social welfare. This resulted in a long hiatus in his boxing regime. Hence, the WBA stripped him of the belt.
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Manny Pacquiao expressed disgust over the whole scenario in a recent press meet and said, “I just need to prove it that it’s not good for someone to take the belt without fighting me. So, I think this kind of a challenge and a good fight. I mean, I know both of us are well prepared for this so it’s gonna be a good fight.”
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Although Pacquiao is back to fighting for his lost title, the initial plans had him opt for Errol Spence Jr’s WBC & IBF belt, along with the vacant Ring title. Unfortunately, ‘The Truth’ walked away after suffering a retinal injury in his right eye.
Manny Pacquiao vs Yordenis Ugas- The return of ‘Pac-Man’
Aged 42, Pacquiao will take on an opponent who is seven years younger than him. Although Pacquiao also has a three-fight win streak, he has long gaps in between those appearances. Hence, the statistics put immense favor on Ugas’ corner. That said, Manny Pacquiao will also have a fair chance of winning.
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Despite his age and hiatus, the Filipino legend is still one of the best pugilists in the world. He also has experience in facing top-level contenders. Thus, as Ugas is not the biggest opponent of his career, we can rightly see Manny Pacquiao have his hands raised at the end.
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Who do you think will have the last laugh? Manny Pacquiao or Yordenis Ugas?
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