By Brian Yalung
Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas won via unanimous decision over eight-time division champion Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, Aug. 21 (Sunday, Aug. 22 PH time) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada to retain his World Boxing Association WBA welterweight title before a crowd of 17,438.
Judge Patricia Morse Jarman scored it 115-113, while judges Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld both had it 116-112, all in favor of Ugas.
It was Pacquiao’s eighth boxing career loss. He now holds a boxing record of 62 wins (39 coming from KOs), eight losses, two draws.
Ugas, on the other hand, improved to 27 wins (12 via KO) and four losses.
“He [Pacquiao] is definitely a great competitor but I came in there to show that I am the champion of the WBA, and a lot of respect for him, but I won the fight,” the 35-year-old Cuban said after the fight.
Ugas notably worked on Pacquiao’s body, something that the boxer-senator admits he failed to adjust to.
“I [had a] hard time in the ring making adjustments of … [his] body style, and I think that is the problem for me because I did not make the adjustments right away, and also my legs were tight,” Pacquiao said after the fight.
The 42-year-old thanked the fans for attending despite the pandemic. Pacquiao also apologized for coming up short and added that he did his best.
“I’m so thankful to the fans for coming here to watch, to witness the fight live. I really appreciate your effort to come here despite this pandemic. You have time to watch live the fight. I’m sorry that we lost tonight but I did my best, I apologize,“ Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao was also asked about his plans, including whether he would continue to fight.
“I dunno. Let me rest first and relax, and make a decision if I will continue to fight or not.”
He was also asked whether he will run for the presidency of the Philippines. Pacquiao said that he would make an announcement next month.
“I will make a final announcement next month (September) and I know I am facing a big problem, more difficult works than boxing. But I want to help the people, I want to help them,” the boxer-senator said.
Before the interview ended, Pacquiao congratulated Ugas on the win.
“I congratulate my opponent Yordenis Ugas for winning tonight. That’s boxing. Let’s face another tomorrow again and plan our future.”
Fellow senators’ reactions
“Sen. Manny Pacquiao may not have brought home this title, but he has once again proved himself a legendary fighter—the best athlete we have ever had, and the world has ever seen,” Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
“After decades of victories in the ring, he continues to improve and to challenge himself, and to fight with the same spirit and humility he had as an amateur boxer. I am so proud of him, as his kumpadre, as a colleague, as a Filipino. Salamat, Sen. Manny,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Pacquiao remains his champion.
“He is still my champion! He made the Filipino proud! Hindi naman kasi ‘yun ang dapat kalaban, eh,” Sotto said.
As for Sen. Bong Go, Pacquiao is an inspiration to every athlete and Filipino.
“Thank you to my fellow senator and Mindanaoan, Manny Pacquiao, for putting up a gallant fight against reigning WBA (super) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas. Maraming salamat sa ipinamalas mong tapang. Isa kang huwaran na patuloy na nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa mga kabataang atleta at sa bawat Pilipino,” Go said.
“Senator Manny, sa muli, maraming, maraming salamat at mabuhay ka!,” he added
Sen. Koko Pimentel also congratulated the “national treasure.”
“Congratulations pa rin sa ating Pambansang Kamao, our national treasure, Sen. Manny Pacquiao for a gallant competitive world championship fight. Pinakita niya ang katapangan at kahusayan ng pusong Pilipino sa larangan ng sports na pwede din natin magamit sa ibang aspeto ng buhay,” Pimentel said.
“Siyempre congratulations din kay Ugas na ipinakita sa mundo na siya ay isang tunay at deserving na world champion sa kanyang weight division. Salamat, Manny, sa 20+ years ng pagpapakilala sa galing ng Pilipinas at Pilipino sa buong mundo,” Pimentel added.
“Nothing to be ashamed of for Manny. He gave it his all; Ugas fought a smart fight,” Sen. Sonny Angara said. # – jlo
