Manny’s first thought was to pray for Spence
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 12 Aug 2021
LOS ANGELES. It was early last Monday night when Sen. Manny Pacquiao found out WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence wouldn’t be available for their fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Aug. 21. A medical examination conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission that morning revealed Spence had a detached retina in the left eye and he left for Dallas, his hometown, the next day to undergo surgery that was scheduled yesterday.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons broke the news to Pacquiao whose first reaction was to pray for Spence’s recovery and healing. “I was informed Monday noon but didn’t want to disrupt Senator’s training that afternoon so I waited ‘til about 6 p.m. to tell him,” said Gibbons. “Senator was looking forward to fighting Spence, to prove he’s the best welterweight, that at 42 and eight months, he can still do it. I thought Senator would ask about what will happen but instead, all he did was to pray for Spence, quote Corinthians from the Bible, leaving his fate to God because He is the Way, to have faith in God and never question Him and pray for His guidance. Senator understands boxing, he knows these things happen.”
Destiny played a role in resolving the issue of whom Pacquiao would fight in Spence’s place. Super WBA welterweight titlist Yordenis Ugas of Cuba was set to stake his crown against Argentina’s Fabian Maidana in the T-Mobile Arena undercard but within hours of Spence’s withdrawal, it was announced the challenger had suffered a bad cut in sparring and wouldn’t also be available. That opened the door for Pacquiao to battle Ugas.
"I'm ready to fight, I've worked hard, I trained like when I was young, I'm thankful Ugas is there to prove who's the real WBA champion," said Pacquiao. "I believe my sacrifice and hard work in training will not be wasted and I can prove to the world who's the real champion ... it will definitely be an entertaining fight, Ugas is a fighter, a champion, he took my belt but let's see what will happen in the ring ... I pray for Spence/s fast rccovery, I hope everything will be fine with him."
“This is a crazy development,” said Gibbons. “The WBA stripped Senator’s title because of inactivity and that was unjustifiable. Ugas became the new super champion and stole the belt from Senator. Now, it’s a fight between the so-called champion against the in-recess champion, the real champion against the generic champion. Senator has a shot to take back what’s his. Props to Al Haymon and PBC (Premier Boxing Champions) for saving the show. It would’ve been devastating if Senator had no opponent but now, we’ve still got an event and the fans are the winners.”
Ugas, 35, is no slouch. He’s a 2005 AIBA world champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist. In the amateurs, Ugas beat WBO welterweight ruler Terence Crawford. In the pros, his record is 26-4, with 12 KOs. His four setbacks were on points, three via split decision. “Ugas won’t run, he’s flat-footed, he likes to engage so he’s a perfect complement to Senator’s style,” said Gibbons. “He’s not a big hitter although he’s put a lot of guys on the deck. He hasn’t been stopped so he’s durable.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
ENNIS AND CROWLEY MEET AT PHILLY PRESSER AS TICKETS FLY FOR ‘BOOTS’’ HOMECOMING
Sat, 11 May 2024Nembhard late heroics lift Indiana over New York, 116-111; Denver Finally Beats T-Wolves
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 11 May 2024Weights from Perth: Vasiliy Lomachenko - 134.9 lbs., George Kambosos Jr. - 134.2 lbs.
Sat, 11 May 2024WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FROM AGUASCALIENTES
Sat, 11 May 2024Granite Chin's Official Weights from Quincy, MA
Sat, 11 May 2024MERCADO AND ALI WORLD TITLE CLASH CONFIRMED FOR PHOENIX
Sat, 11 May 2024Weights From Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Sat, 11 May 2024ROCKIN' FIGHTS 47 WEIGH-IN FRIDAY MAY 10 at NOON Hilton Long Island /Huntington Open to Public
Sat, 11 May 2024Gaballo in upset loss to Torres by 1st round TKO; Tapales dispatches Jakaew in 1st round
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 10 May 2024Cavs, Mavs Get Back at Celts, OKC; Tie Semis Series at 1-1
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 10 May 2024Weights fromPhiladelphia
Fri, 10 May 2024Herlan, Sukpraserd, Toshihiko, Daishaun, Khairul Make Weight in Highland Show in Malaysia
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 10 May 2024Open Workout: Vasiliy Lomachenko & George Kambosos Jr. Take Over Perth
Fri, 10 May 2024Really? Naoya Will Kayo Manny at Prime Versions at Superbantam?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 10 May 2024Kaipo Gallegos Signs Co-Promotional Agreement with Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing
Fri, 10 May 2024