Yordenis Ugas: Neither I Nor Manny Pacquiao Has An Advantage

Yordenis Ugas believes he and Manny Pacquiao will be on an even playing field.

Tonight (Aug. 21), Ugas and Pacquiao will share the ring. Ugas will be putting the WBA Welterweight Title on the line. He was upgraded to the “Super” version of the championship after Pacquiao was designated to “Champion in Recess” due to inactivity.

Initially, Pacquiao was set to meet WBC and IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr. Spence ended up pulling out of the event due to a retinal tear. Ugas has stepped up to replace Spence.

During an interview with BoxingScene.com, Ugas said that thanks to the short notice, he doesn’t think he or Pacquiao has a distinct advantage.

“He was going to fight a left-hander and myself an orthodox fighter and then everything changed.  I think we are both fighters who bring it all and compete hard.  I don’t think that anyone has an advantage in regards to that. I think that 10 days was sufficient time for us both to get ready for the changes that we now face.”

There’s been a lot of speculation on the health of Ugas going into this fight. During the weigh-ins, it appeared that Ugas’ bicep was significantly swollen. Some have suspected a tear but nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Pacquiao hasn’t been inside the ring since July 2019. He handed Keith Thurman the first loss of his pro boxing career via split decision. It was this victory that earned Pacquiao the WBA gold.

Ugas is riding a three-fight winning streak. He was last seen in action back in Sept. 2020 when he defeated Abel Ramos to capture what was the WBA “Regular” Title before he was promoted.

Stick with Boxing Daily as we’ll be bringing you results and highlights of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas fight once the card has ended.