Legendary fighter Manny Pacquiao entered the ring last night against Cuban-born WBA champion Yordenis Ugas at an impressive 42 years of age. Unfortunately for the Filipino Icon and his loyal fans, it showed.
From round one, Ugas’ jab set the narrative of the fight, popping Pacquiao’s head back and preventing him from closing the distance. While the threat of Pacquiao’s sudden flurries was always present, winning him his first clear round in the third, Ugas was seemingly in control of the fight throughout the first half of the fight. Keeping his hands up and maintaining the range, Ugas ensured that Pacquiao’s explosive offense was blunted, and Manny’s dynamic bouncing footwork was nowhere to be found. By the 5th and 6th rounds, Ugas was neutralizing Pacquiao’s ambushes by finishing the exchanges stronger, landing counter right hands as Manny lingered too long in the pocket. As Manny became more hesitant, Ugas’ looping right hands were landing at will. Although Pacquiao made a spirited effort to change the momentum of the fight in the 11th, it was too little too late. Ugas won a well-earned unanimous decision, proving his worth among the elite of the welterweight division and casting doubt on Manny Pacquiao’s future in boxing.
