Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao promises a good fight when he takes on World Boxing Association Super Welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas on Sunday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“It’s going to be a good fight, more action in the ring. I would like to invite the fans all over the world, especially Filipinos, to watch the fight (online). See you there,” said Pacquiao, who on Tuesday (Wednesday in Philippines) met Ugas for the first time in a simple arrival ceremony outside the T-Mobile Arena in front of the Toshiba Plaza in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Wearing a red tracksuit, the 35-year-old Ugas (26-4 win-loss record with 12 knockouts) is a last-minute replacement for Pacquiao’s original opponent, unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., who had to beg off from the fight after suffering from an eye injury during his training session.
Ugas’ original foe Fabian Maidana of Argentina in the supporting Pacquiao-Spence fight card, also suffered an eye injury, paving the way for the clash between the Filipino and Cuban.
“I don’t think anybody has the advantage because he was preparing for a southpaw, and I was preparing for a conventional fighter. And we just have 10 days to prepare, so I do not think anyone has the advantage,” said Ugas. “If this is Pacquiao’s last time making his way in the ring, he will fight someone who is a high-caliber (boxer) like me. We’re going to put on a great fight for the fans around the world.”
The WBA belt used to be held by Pacquiao, but the organization took it away from him due to his “inactivity” and awarded it to no. 1 challenger at that time in Ugas, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist.
“I just need to prove that it’s not good to take my belt without fighting me. So, I think it’s kind of a challenge,” said Pacquiao (62-7-2 record with 39 knockouts).
Pacquiao, who is turning 43 this December, is not sure whether this will be his last fight.
“It depends on the result and the fight, but I really love doing this, I am happy doing this. It’s still the same feeling, I am very passionate about this sport,” he said.