Tag: Spence vs Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao perfectly happy to be fighting Yordenis Ugas

Manny Pacquiao said he’s perfectly happy to be fighting Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 21 after Errol Spence Jr. had to pull out.

Is Manny Pacquiao upset that his super fight against Errol Spence Jr. fell through after Spence tested positive for COVID-19? Not really.

Pacquiao will still be facing an elite opponent on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas, WBA titleholder Yordenis Ugas. Thus, the 42-year-old icon will an opportunity to do his thing on a big stage, just as he has done for most of the past two decades.

“I did my best in training and in preparation for this fight, so I wanted to make sure my hard work was not wasted,” Pacquiao said during a virtual press conference. “Ugas was ready to fight and challenge me on August 21. So it’s a great thing that I can show off my hard work in the gym when we face each other on fight night.

“I’m not disappointed at all in what happened because my hard work will not be wasted. Ugas stepped up and is bringing his WBA championship into the fight, which I’m excited to fight for.”

Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs) was handed the WBA belt when the sanctioning body designated Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) its “champion in recess” because of his activity. He hasn’t fought since he outpointed Keith Thurman to win the title in July 2019.

Pacquiao acknowledges it won’t be easy to win it back against Ugas, a slick boxer who fights from an orthodox stance. Pacquiao had been preparing for Spence, who is a southpaw.

“What I can say to the fans is that this is definitely not an easy fight., Pacquiao said. “Ugas is a champion because they gave him my belt. Now, we have to settle it inside of the ring. I cannot take him lightly, because he’s the kind of fighter who will take advantage of that. …

“I know that Ugas is also very prepared for his fight because he was going to be on the undercard. If there was no Ugas on the undercard, it’s possible we would have cancelled the fight. It’s a good thing we had another welterweight champion on the card for this scenario that happened.”

This scenario has allowed fans to see one of the greatest fighters of all time at least one more time. At his age, there’s no guarantee he’ll fight again.

[lawrence-related id=22355]

Manny Pacquiao perfectly happy to be fighting Yordenis Ugas

Manny Pacquiao said he’s perfectly happy to be fighting Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 21 after Errol Spence Jr. had to pull out.

Is Manny Pacquiao upset that his super fight against Errol Spence Jr. fell through after Spence tested positive for COVID-19? Not really.

Pacquiao will still be facing an elite opponent on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas, WBA titleholder Yordenis Ugas. Thus, the 42-year-old icon will an opportunity to do his thing on a big stage, just as he has done for most of the past two decades.

“I did my best in training and in preparation for this fight, so I wanted to make sure my hard work was not wasted,” Pacquiao said during a virtual press conference. “Ugas was ready to fight and challenge me on August 21. So it’s a great thing that I can show off my hard work in the gym when we face each other on fight night.

“I’m not disappointed at all in what happened because my hard work will not be wasted. Ugas stepped up and is bringing his WBA championship into the fight, which I’m excited to fight for.”

Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs) was handed the WBA belt when the sanctioning body designated Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) its “champion in recess” because of his activity. He hasn’t fought since he outpointed Keith Thurman to win the title in July 2019.

Pacquiao acknowledges it won’t be easy to win it back against Ugas, a slick boxer who fights from an orthodox stance. Pacquiao had been preparing for Spence, who is a southpaw.

“What I can say to the fans is that this is definitely not an easy fight., Pacquiao said. “Ugas is a champion because they gave him my belt. Now, we have to settle it inside of the ring. I cannot take him lightly, because he’s the kind of fighter who will take advantage of that. …

“I know that Ugas is also very prepared for his fight because he was going to be on the undercard. If there was no Ugas on the undercard, it’s possible we would have cancelled the fight. It’s a good thing we had another welterweight champion on the card for this scenario that happened.”

This scenario has allowed fans to see one of the greatest fighters of all time at least one more time. At his age, there’s no guarantee he’ll fight again.

[lawrence-related id=22355]

Manny Pacquiao to fight Yordenis Ugas after Errol Spence Jr. pulls out with injury

Manny Pacquiao will fight Yordenis Ugas after Errol Spence Jr. pulled out of their Aug. 21 fight with an eye injury.

Manny Pacquiao’s next fight has lost luster.

The Filipino icon, who was scheduled to face WBC and IBF welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas, will instead take on WBA champ Yordenis Ugas after Spence pulled out with an eye injury.

A pre-fight medical examination revealed a retinal tear in Spence’s left eye. He reportedly will have surgery on Wednesday.

Ugas was supposed to have faced Fabian Maidana on the Pacquiao-Spence undercard but Maidana pulled out with an injury, leaving the Cuban free to fill in for Spence.

The Pacquiao-Spence matchup was intriguing in part because of the bold decision the 42-year-old, eight-division titleholder made to face one of the top fighters pound for pound.

A victory over Spence would’ve been a crowning achievement in Pacquiao’s marvelous career.

“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on Aug. 21,” Spence said. “I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition.”

Pacquiao expressed his support for Spence.

“The proper way — and the only way — to win a world title is inside the ring,” he said. “… I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr.

“Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any further damage.”

The Ugas fight isn’t as interesting because Ugas isn’t as a significant a threat to Pacquiao and doesn’t have the fanbase of Spence, who is highly respected worldwide.

That said, Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs) is a major titleholder with an excellent skillset. Many believe he deserved the decision in a close loss to Shawn Porter in March 2019, after which he has won three consecutive fights.

Make no mistake: Ugas has a chance to beat Pacquiao.

Plus, Ugas holds the title that Pacquiao won by outpointing Keith Thurman in July 2019, his most-recent outing. He was later designated as “champion in recess” because of his inactivity, which resulted in Ugas being elevated to full titleholder.

Pacquiao objected to the WBA’s decision. The fight will give him the opportunity to regain the title he believes is rightfully his.

“It’s an honor to fight the great multiple-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, as I am more than ready to take on this challenge,” Ugas said. “I have tremendous respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight.

“Everyone knows my story about how I came to America to follow my dreams of becoming a world champion, and now it’s time to stamp my legacy with a victory as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves.”

Spence indicated on social media that his doctors were optimistic that he’d make a full recovery, as he did from a horrible car accident in in October 2019.

And he expects to face the winner of Pacquiao-Ugas.

“I came back from worse,” Spence tweeted.

 

 

 

Manny Pacquiao to fight Yordenis Ugas after Errol Spence Jr. pulls out with injury

Manny Pacquiao will fight Yordenis Ugas after Errol Spence Jr. pulled out of their Aug. 21 fight with an eye injury.

Manny Pacquiao’s next fight has lost luster.

The Filipino icon, who was scheduled to face WBC and IBF welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas, will instead take on WBA champ Yordenis Ugas after Spence pulled out with an eye injury.

A pre-fight medical examination revealed a retinal tear in Spence’s left eye. He reportedly will have surgery on Wednesday.

Ugas was supposed to have faced Fabian Maidana on the Pacquiao-Spence undercard but Maidana pulled out with an injury, leaving the Cuban free to fill in for Spence.

The Pacquiao-Spence matchup was intriguing in part because of the bold decision the 42-year-old, eight-division titleholder made to face one of the top fighters pound for pound.

A victory over Spence would’ve been a crowning achievement in Pacquiao’s marvelous career.

“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on Aug. 21,” Spence said. “I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition.”

Pacquiao expressed his support for Spence.

“The proper way — and the only way — to win a world title is inside the ring,” he said. “… I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr.

“Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any further damage.”

The Ugas fight isn’t as interesting because Ugas isn’t as a significant a threat to Pacquiao and doesn’t have the fanbase of Spence, who is highly respected worldwide.

That said, Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs) is a major titleholder with an excellent skillset. Many believe he deserved the decision in a close loss to Shawn Porter in March 2019, after which he has won three consecutive fights.

Make no mistake: Ugas has a chance to beat Pacquiao.

Plus, Ugas holds the title that Pacquiao won by outpointing Keith Thurman in July 2019, his most-recent outing. He was later designated as “champion in recess” because of his inactivity, which resulted in Ugas being elevated to full titleholder.

Pacquiao objected to the WBA’s decision. The fight will give him the opportunity to regain the title he believes is rightfully his.

“It’s an honor to fight the great multiple-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, as I am more than ready to take on this challenge,” Ugas said. “I have tremendous respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight.

“Everyone knows my story about how I came to America to follow my dreams of becoming a world champion, and now it’s time to stamp my legacy with a victory as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves.”

Spence indicated on social media that his doctors were optimistic that he’d make a full recovery, as he did from a horrible car accident in in October 2019.

And he expects to face the winner of Pacquiao-Ugas.

“I came back from worse,” Spence tweeted.

 

 

 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr.: Freddie Roach admits this might be Pacman’s last fight

Freddie Roach admitted that Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 might be Pacquiao’s last.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Manny Pacquiao’s entrusted trainer Freddie Roach reiterated his belief that the former eight-weight world champion’s boxing career is winding down. But he maintained that whether or not welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. ends up being his final opponent on Aug. 21, the Filipino is coming to Las Vegas to win.

Pacquiao has been no stranger to Sin City, competing there for the first time back in 2001 with a sixth-round victory against Lehlo Ledwaba. Few would have predicted that a further 20 years at the apex of boxing would follow, nor a title shot against Errol Spence Jr., a man 11 years younger.

Yet the story remains that Pacman is consistently jabbing father time away as Roach insists his client is still as versatile as the fighter he first met many years ago.

“Manny doesn’t need to play his golden oldies. He is still producing new hits,” Roach told BoxingScene.com. “He hasn’t cut one corner in training camp. not one. He runs up the hills in Griffith Park straight to the Hollywood sign.  He crunches thousands of sit-ups daily. He spars three days each week and hits every bag on the gym floor with bad intentions every day.

“He is still the hardest worker I have ever trained and an eager student. He wants this one more than anything. Manny isn’t training this hard to say goodbye. It’s to prove he’s still here.

“Philippine politics might influence when Manny hangs up his gloves. Maybe this is Manny’s last fight. But this summer, he has been training for his greatest victory, and for Manny, that is saying something. It’s the stuff that greatness is made of.”

This wouldn’t be the first time he’s proved critics wrong. Keith Thurman knows all too well just how determined Pacquiao is in his advancing years, having dropped his world welterweight belt to him via a split decision in 2019.

The future remains very much open for Pacquiao whatever the outcome at T-Mobile Arena. Victory adds yet more grandeur to a fantasy-like resume and the opportunity to extend his career well into his 40s, if he so desires.

Otherwise he is not short of other ventures once citing a desire to own an NBA franchise after hanging up his gloves, alongside his growing interest in his homeland’s political landscape.

[lawrence-related id=22262,22065,21990,21857,21847,21799,21748,20984,20426]

Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr.: Freddie Roach admits this might be Pacman’s last fight

Freddie Roach admitted that Manny Pacquiao’s fight against Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 might be Pacquiao’s last.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

***

Manny Pacquiao’s entrusted trainer Freddie Roach reiterated his belief that the former eight-weight world champion’s boxing career is winding down. But he maintained that whether or not welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. ends up being his final opponent on Aug. 21, the Filipino is coming to Las Vegas to win.

Pacquiao has been no stranger to Sin City, competing there for the first time back in 2001 with a sixth-round victory against Lehlo Ledwaba. Few would have predicted that a further 20 years at the apex of boxing would follow, nor a title shot against Errol Spence Jr., a man 11 years younger.

Yet the story remains that Pacman is consistently jabbing father time away as Roach insists his client is still as versatile as the fighter he first met many years ago.

“Manny doesn’t need to play his golden oldies. He is still producing new hits,” Roach told BoxingScene.com. “He hasn’t cut one corner in training camp. not one. He runs up the hills in Griffith Park straight to the Hollywood sign.  He crunches thousands of sit-ups daily. He spars three days each week and hits every bag on the gym floor with bad intentions every day.

“He is still the hardest worker I have ever trained and an eager student. He wants this one more than anything. Manny isn’t training this hard to say goodbye. It’s to prove he’s still here.

“Philippine politics might influence when Manny hangs up his gloves. Maybe this is Manny’s last fight. But this summer, he has been training for his greatest victory, and for Manny, that is saying something. It’s the stuff that greatness is made of.”

This wouldn’t be the first time he’s proved critics wrong. Keith Thurman knows all too well just how determined Pacquiao is in his advancing years, having dropped his world welterweight belt to him via a split decision in 2019.

The future remains very much open for Pacquiao whatever the outcome at T-Mobile Arena. Victory adds yet more grandeur to a fantasy-like resume and the opportunity to extend his career well into his 40s, if he so desires.

Otherwise he is not short of other ventures once citing a desire to own an NBA franchise after hanging up his gloves, alongside his growing interest in his homeland’s political landscape.

[lawrence-related id=22262,22065,21990,21857,21847,21799,21748,20984,20426]

Ageless wonders: Greatest performances by fighters 40 and older

Here is a list of the 10 greatest performances by boxers 40 or older.

Manny Pacquiao joined an exclusive fraternity when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision to win a major welterweight title in July 2019.

The ageless Filipino icon had turned 40 the previous December, which made his remarkable performance one of the best ever among fighters who are at least 40 years old.

How does it compare with other great performances by those 40-plus? Here’s a list of 10 that stand out, in order of magnitude.

Note: The Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr. fight on Aug. 21 in less than a month away. This special feature is just one of many that will be posted in the coming weeks.

Ageless wonders: Greatest performances by fighters 40 and older

Here is a list of the 10 greatest performances by boxers 40 or older.

Manny Pacquiao joined an exclusive fraternity when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision to win a major welterweight title in July 2019.

The ageless Filipino icon had turned 40 the previous December, which made his remarkable performance one of the best ever among fighters who are at least 40 years old.

How does it compare with other great performances by those 40-plus? Here’s a list of 10 that stand out, in order of magnitude.

Note: The Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr. fight on Aug. 21 in less than a month away. This special feature is just one of many that will be posted in the coming weeks.

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao: Algieri says ‘we could get upset’

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao: Chris Algieri, who fought both men, smells a potential upset.

Can Manny Pacquiao beat Errol Spence Jr. in their 147-pound title-unification bout on Aug. 21? One man who faced both fighters believes so.

Chris Algieri lost a near shutout decision against Pacquiao in 2014 and was stopped in five rounds by Spence two years later. Algieri went down nine times in those fights, six times against Pacquiao.

He believes the Filipino icon shouldn’t be underestimated even though he’s now 42 years old and will have been out of the ring for more than two years.

Pacquiao stunned many observers when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision to win the WBA welterweight title in July 2019. He’s about a 3-1 underdog going into the fight with Spence.

“I never count out Manny,” he said on the DAZN Boxing Show. “He’s one of those guys. He has the one-punch power, he has that speed and he’s awkward. He sets traps, his off-beat rhythm. His ability to change throughout a fight. The best make adjustments.

“The guys who can adjust are the guys who separate from themselves. Manny does that as good as anyone even at that advanced age.”

Algieri, a former 140-pound champ, believes Pacquiao also is capable of hurting Spence. Pacquiao has one knockout in the past 11-plus years.

“He’s got a punch, he’s got power,” Algieri said. “If he can walk Spence into these shots we could get an upset.”

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao: Algieri says ‘we could get upset’

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao: Chris Algieri, who fought both men, smells a potential upset.

Can Manny Pacquiao beat Errol Spence Jr. in their 147-pound title-unification bout on Aug. 21? One man who faced both fighters believes so.

Chris Algieri lost a near shutout decision against Pacquiao in 2014 and was stopped in five rounds by Spence two years later. Algieri went down nine times in those fights, six times against Pacquiao.

He believes the Filipino icon shouldn’t be underestimated even though he’s now 42 years old and will have been out of the ring for more than two years.

Pacquiao stunned many observers when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision to win the WBA welterweight title in July 2019. He’s about a 3-1 underdog going into the fight with Spence.

“I never count out Manny,” he said on the DAZN Boxing Show. “He’s one of those guys. He has the one-punch power, he has that speed and he’s awkward. He sets traps, his off-beat rhythm. His ability to change throughout a fight. The best make adjustments.

“The guys who can adjust are the guys who separate from themselves. Manny does that as good as anyone even at that advanced age.”

Algieri, a former 140-pound champ, believes Pacquiao also is capable of hurting Spence. Pacquiao has one knockout in the past 11-plus years.

“He’s got a punch, he’s got power,” Algieri said. “If he can walk Spence into these shots we could get an upset.”