Manny Pacquiao LOSES to Yordenis Ugas via unanimous points decision

Manny Pacquiao LOSES to Yordenis Ugas via unanimous points decision in WBA ‘super’ welterweight title fight in what could be the Filipino boxing legend’s final match of his career at 42

  • Manny Pacquiao was beaten by Yordenis Ugas via an unanimous points decision in what could be his last fight
  • The pair met in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena for their WBA ‘super’ welterweight title fight on Saturday night
  • Pacquiao started well in the opening round but Ugas recovered with several jabs to win 115-113 116-112 116-112
  • Filipino boxing legend Pacquiao, 42, refused to say after the fight whether this would be his last boxing box 

Manny Pacquiao was beaten by Cuban fighter Yordenis Ugas via an unanimous points decision in what could be the Filipino legend’s final boxing match of his career.

Ugas seized his opportunity as the late injury replacement for Errol Spence Jr., frustrating Pacquiao throughout the night in their WBA ‘super’ middleweight title fight.

The 35-year-old Cuban threw far fewer punches than Pacquiao, but his blows were more precise and more effective. Pacquiao struggled to get inside on Ugas’ effective jab, while the latter landed his right hand to increasing effect in the final rounds. Two judges scored it 116-112 for Ugas, and a third had it 115-113.

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (above) was beaten by Yordenis Ugas in what could be the final fight of his career

All the judges handed Cuban fighter Ugas (front) the victory after 12 rounds, with the scorecard reading 115-113 116-112 116-112

After an unimpressive performance in his return from the longest layoff of his quarter-century in professional boxing, Pacquiao said he hasn’t decided whether he will fight again. 

He also wouldn’t confirm whether he will enter the Philippines´ presidential race, as is widely expected. He intends to make an announcement next month.

When asked if it was his final fight, Pacquiao said: ‘I don’t know. I need to relax and make a decision.’

Speaking about Saturday night’s fight, the 42-year-old added: ‘That’s boxing. I had a hard time in the ring making adjustments. My legs were tight. I’m sorry I lost tonight, but I did my best.’

The victory was the culmination of a lengthy journey for Ugas, who defected from Cuba two years after winning a bronze medal in the Beijing Olympics. 

The 30-year-old quit boxing for two years midway through the last decade, but recovered his career and capitalized on this unexpected shot against one of the greatest fighters of this era, earning his 12th victory in 13 fights.

Pacquiao, who turns 43 later this year, refused to state after the fight whether this was the final bout of his boxing career

Pacquiao (left) is widely known as one fo the greatest boxers of all time but age caught up with him against Ugas on Saturday

‘He’s a great competitor, but I came in here to show I am the champion of the WBA,’ Ugas said through a translator. ‘(I have) a lot of respect for him, but I won this fight.’

Ugas got this opportunity only last week when Spence was forced to drop out after discovering he had a torn retina during a pre-fight physical. The Cuban had been booked on the undercard, but he seized the opportunity for the spotlight and payday that had been just out of reach since he left Cuba on a small boat bound for Mexico 11 years ago.

Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena appeared to be essentially sold out despite the late opponent change, and the crowd of 17,438 was vocally behind its Filipino hero. Even after a lengthy layoff in the last stages of his career, Pacquiao remains a surefire draw and a bankable star in a sport lacking both at its highest levels.

Pacquiao (right), 42, came out the blocks firing in the first round but Ugas began to land jabs on the Filipino after round two

Pacquiao (right) forced Ugas onto the ropes in round one but his opponent (left) recovered well to take the win in Las Vegas

Ugas was drafted in as a late replacement for the injured Errol Spence Jr and now has one of the biggest victories of his career

Ugas had a clear game plan despite the short notice, working hard in the early rounds with an effective jab and body shots. Pacquiao was more aggressive and occasionally got the crowd to its feet with combinations, but he didn’t immediately find a consistent way to get inside the jab.

Ugas’ confidence grew in the middle rounds, and he responded to some action at the seventh-round bell with a defiant shimmy-shake of his shoulders in Pacquiao´s direction. 

Pacquiao threw roughly twice as many punches as Ugas for long stretches, but they landed about the same number as Ugas showed off his defence and precision against Pacquiao´s activity.

Pacquiao caught Ugas with a combination in the 10th round and knocked him back as the crowd rose in excitement, but the Cuban recovered and rallied with big shots. 

Ugas showed excellent defence and precision to retain the WBA ‘super’ welterweight title that he won last year

Pacquiao was clearly seen as an emotional figure just before the fight, which could be the last of his successful boxing career




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