Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao has not lost his touch and is expected to be dangerous as ever against Cuban World Boxing Association Super welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugàs.
The two-year layoff that has stalled Pacquiao due to the ongoing pandemic has allowed him to rest his body and get a chance to prepare better for his confrontation with the Cuban this Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the T-Mobile Arena.
“Good thing for me. It was a two-year rest for my body. I have been in the boxing sport since I was 12, it’s a total non-stop,” said the 42-year-old Pacquiao, who plunges into action boasting of a 62-7-2 win-loss-draw record, with 39 knockouts.
Pacquiao seeks to dethrone current champion Ugàs, who claimed the WBA belt away from him last January even without throwing a single punch.
The WBA stripped Pacquiao of the title he won against Keith Thurman due to inactivity.
Pacquiao said he will go for a knockout victory if the opportunity presents itself.
“I didn’t like that someone took my belt without challenging me inside the ring. After Saturday, let’s see who still has it,” added Pacquiao.
Ugàs, the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, said he won’t let chance to beat Pacquiao slip away.
“I’m certain that he cannot knock me out. I’ve done all the preparations over these past six years to get in this position. I have hit my stride and I just don’t believe I can be stopped by Manny (Pacquiao),” said Ugas through an interpreter.
Ugas added that he prepared for 12 hard rounds to give Pacquiao the fight of his life—whether it will be his last one or not.
