Manny Pacquiao “Embarrassed” by Yordenis Ugas: ‘Took My Belt Without Fighting Me’

Manny Pacquiao spoke openly in an interview with Mike Coppinger for ESPN ringside. Pacquiao spoke about his upcoming fight against WBA Welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas. The two are fighting on ten days’ notice after Errol Spence Jr. backed out of the fight against Pacquiao due to injury.

“We will settle it down in the ring. It’s kind of embarrassing to me, took my belt without fighting me. It’s a good thing that there’s Ugas and we can settle it down in the ring.” Pacquiao said when Coppinger asked about the WBA’s decision to hand over his belt to Ugas.

Pacquiao claimed the WBA “Super” Welterweight title after beating Keith Thurman by split decision in 2019. Since then, the Philippine boxer did not enter the ring. Pacquiao searched for a fighter to go against and prove to people that he could still fight.

Errol Spence Jr is the undefeated American boxing superstar that came on Manny Pacquiao’s radar. After agreeing to terms, the pair decided to enter the ring on 21 August. Unfortunately, Errol Spence Jr tore his retina during practice and pulled out of the fight.

Also read: How Did Yordenis Ugas Win Bronze Medal at 2008 Olympics?

Manny Pacquiao vs Yordenis Ugas

In the fight billed as ‘The Legend’ vs ‘The Olympian’, both fighters are hungry for a win. For Ugas, going against the only eight-division champion of the world is a dream come true. Ugas is an up-and-coming fighter and is still looking for his first big fight.

A win against ‘The Pacman‘ will definitely establish him as a legitimate champion in his very first title defense. Pacquiao, on the other hand, has been in the lab preparing to fight an undefeated Errol Spence Jr for months. Comparatively , Ugas should be a walk in the park for Pacquiao.

Ugas is a great fighter, but they haven’t truly tested his boxing prowess. Errol Spence Jr is a credible champion and is still undefeated. Pacquiao will look to win his fight, a win will help boost his image and fame when he decides to run for presidency in the Philippines.

A loss could spell trouble for Pacquiao, who is the betting favorite going into the fight. A loss to Ugas could possibly send Pacquiao into retirement to focus on his political career. Will Yordenis Ugas be able to pull off the upset?