MANILA – Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is determined to retrieve what was taken from him when he fights World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas of Cuba at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines).
The 42-year-old boxing pride from Sarangani is prepared to put up a spectacular performance to reclaim the world championship belt that was stripped away from him due to inactivity. WBA awarded the title to the Cuban slugger, who took over the place vacated by the Filipino boxer.
“I just need to prove that it’s not good for someone to take the belt without fighting me,” Pacquiao stressed. “I don’t care if he’s the champion or I’m the champion. We’ll finish this fight first, and then we’ll see who the titleholder is.”
Pacquiao made a few changes to his game plan for Ugas, who was a late replacement for his intended opponent, Errol Spence Jr., when the latter suffered a retinal tear.
“The only adjustment I’m going to make for this fight is the southpaw versus right-handed. Errol Spence is an aggressive fighter, and Ugas is also aggressive, so their style of play is just the same, and that’s good. (Ugas) can create more action in the ring, and the fans will love it,” Pacman said.
In comparison to when he fought and defeated American Keith Thurman via split decision in 2019, the eight-division world boxing champion said he performed more rounds of sparring this time.
“For the Thurman fight, I did 25-28 rounds a day. But this time, I did 30-32 rounds. I’m happy with what I’m doing because boxing is my passion. I’m excited to sacrifice and be disciplined every day to prepare for a fight like this,” he went on.
Pacquiao will enter the fight with a 62-7-2 win-loss-draw ring record, including 39 stoppage victories, while Ugas boasts a 26-4-0 boxing record, with 12 knockout victories.
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Ugas is certain that he can send Pacquiao to retirement after their bout.
“I’m here to wreck any future plans Manny Pacquiao has in the ring and make sure that Saturday is his last fight,” Ugas said. “I’m well aware that Pacquiao is the favorite, but at the same time, I’m a champion.”
“I’m 100 percent certain he can’t knock me out. I’ve done all the work and preparation. Over these past six years I’ve really been hitting my stride, and I don’t think Manny Pacquiao can knock me out,” he continued./PN
