MANILA, Philippines – Cuban Yordenis Ugas is still the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight champion.
Ugas outboxed Manny Pacquiao to win a unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 116-112) in the jam-packed fight in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 21 (Sunday, August 22, Manila time).
Pacquiao was more aggressive throughout the bout but it was not enough against the taller and younger boxer.
"I'm sorry we lost tonight, I did my best," Pacquiao said after losing to Ugas. He admitted that he had a hard time adjusting to opponent's body style in the ring and his legs felt tight during the fight.
This gives Ugas his 27th victory as a professional and legitimizing his reign as the "super" champion.
The WBA decided to strip the title from Pacquiao early this year due to his inactivity and was rewarded to Ugas.
The 42-year-old senator returned to the ring after two years since he beat Keith Thurman in 2019.
It was initially a showdown with undefeated WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. but turned into a battle against 35-year-old Olympic bronze medalist. Spence was forced to pull out of the bout with Pacquiao due to suffering an injury to his left eye.
After beating Pacquiao, Ugas said he'd like to fight Spence Jr next.
— The Summit Express
Ugas outboxed Manny Pacquiao to win a unanimous decision (115-113, 116-112, 116-112) in the jam-packed fight in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 21 (Sunday, August 22, Manila time).
Pacquiao was more aggressive throughout the bout but it was not enough against the taller and younger boxer.
"I'm sorry we lost tonight, I did my best," Pacquiao said after losing to Ugas. He admitted that he had a hard time adjusting to opponent's body style in the ring and his legs felt tight during the fight.
This gives Ugas his 27th victory as a professional and legitimizing his reign as the "super" champion.
The WBA decided to strip the title from Pacquiao early this year due to his inactivity and was rewarded to Ugas.
The 42-year-old senator returned to the ring after two years since he beat Keith Thurman in 2019.
It was initially a showdown with undefeated WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. but turned into a battle against 35-year-old Olympic bronze medalist. Spence was forced to pull out of the bout with Pacquiao due to suffering an injury to his left eye.
After beating Pacquiao, Ugas said he'd like to fight Spence Jr next.
— The Summit Express
