One of the all-time greats returns after a two-year layoff, obviously COVID-19 played a part, but Manny Pacquiao is looking to extend his legacy, and while it’s not against his original opponent, he is going against a strong opponent in Yordenis Ugas.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas Preview
Manny Pacquiao was originally slated to compete against Errol Spence Jr. but a torn retina in his prefight physical forced him to withdraw from the bout and have surgery to repair it. Stepping up to the main event from the undercard though is Ugas, and he now looks to start a legacy of his own after being on the undercard of the event earlier. Both men will be fighting for the WBA Super Welterweight belt that, ironically, Pacquiao won in his last bout against Keith Thurman that was a major surprise performance from the Philippine Senator.
Manny Pacquiao as mentioned currently is a Senator in the Philippines with a very checkered political past, but has a boxing career that is second to none.
He has fought the who’s who of the lighter weight divisions since making his U.S. debut against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, holding victories over names and fighters like Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and so many more in a hall of fame career that already has a total of 13 major world titles with a chance to make it 14.
Pacquiao will have longtime trainer and Hall of Famer Freddie Roach in his corner, with whom has led him throughout his whole career but both have mentioned that they see no signs of stopping despite his political aspirations. Pacquiao has eluded to wanting to run for President of the Philippines and Roach seems to hint that he thinks his student wants to fight on as President of his native country.
No matter what happens for Manny Pacquiao though on Saturday, he will have a lasting legacy the sport may never see again.
Unlike Pacquiao though, Yordenis Ugas does not fight for his native country of Cuba anymore. It was mentioned that Ugas will be a hard fight for Pacquiao and that stems back to his own resume and style he has as a boxer.
On his resume, Ugas has won gold medals at the World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Caribbean Games, but the highlight of his career while boxing for Cuba was winning a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in 2008.
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Ugas doesn’t have the biggest punching power but he is able to stun opponents with his output in fights. He does have a tendency though to whine down his output later in fights, he is a quick starter which seems to be rare for most high-profile fighters but so is Manny Pacquiao which makes this interesting. Ugas won’t be scared of Pacquiao though having been in the ring with names such as Shawn Porter and Omar Figueroa Jr. including an amateur bout against a young Amir Khan.
Despite losing Errol Spence Jr., this fight card does still have a strong and fun main event with Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas. Action-packed, high outputs and two legacies that are trying to obtain two separate things but both are unique and willing to do whatever it takes.
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