Manny unfazed by Ugas’ length
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 22 Aug 2021
LAS VEGAS. WBA welterweight super champion Yordenis Ugas’ length isn’t a cause for concern as challenger Manny Pacquiao brushed off former titleholder Keith Thurman’s claim that the Cuban’s long arms and deadly left uppercut will cause problems in their scheduled 12-round title bout at the T-Mobile Arena here this morning (Manila time).
Thurman, whom Pacquiao dethroned as WBA ruler two years ago, said he should’ve known better when he faced the Filipino legend. “I wasn’t prepared for Pacquiao ducking, moving and creating angles,” said Thurman. “I think Ugas will know what to do when Pacquiao does the same thing. The left uppercut will stop him cold. Styles make fights and Ugas’ length will be a factor.” But Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said the left uppercut isn’t as worrisome as Ugas’ overhand right. Whatever the Cuban tries to land, Roach said Pacquiao’s head movement, side-to-side shifting and blocking will make sure of a misfire.
Pacquiao said weighing in at 146 was the target from the start. It’s his optimal weight. One pound more would take away a bit of his quickness and one less would diminish his power. “Tama lang,” he said after Friday’s weigh-in. “Ganoon na ang timbang ko the night before. Sobrang saya ang training camp, balik sa dati, one of my best camps. I want to settle kung sino sa amin ang totoong WBA champion.” After tipping the scales, Pacquiao had lunch of kebabs, broccoli, malunggay, tinolang manok, hard-boiled eggs and rice with his team in dressing room No. 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Ugas’ trainer Ismael Salas boasted that he has never lost to Roach in a match-up of their fighters. Roach’s assistant Marvin Somodio couldn’t verify the claim because he doesn’t keep count. Somodio, however, said last April, he went up against Salas and won. Salas’ fighter Thomas Dulorme lost a 12-round decision to Eimantas Stanionis with Somodio in his corner. “Ugas is a tough fighter, an Olympian with over 500 amateur and professional fights,” said Salas who has coached the national boxing teams of Cuba, Pakistan, North Korea and Thailand. “He’s the best combat fighter in the 147-pound division and he shows it in every fight. I respect Manny because Manny is Manny. For Ugas, it’s just one day in the office. He’s not an emotional guy, he has a dream to bring honor to his country.” Ugas said while he, too, respects Pacquiao, that will go out the window when the bell rings.
Pacquiao is the 3-1 favorite and a bet of $375 on a win will earn only $100. MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said Pacquiao will run rings around the flat-footed Ugas. “It will be like Ugas fighting three Mannys, not one,” he said. Veteran boxing manager Aljoe Jaro said if Pacquiao scores a KO, it will be inside of five rounds and if the fight extends beyond five, he’ll win by decision. Thurman said Pacquiao faded in the middle rounds when they squared off and now at 42, the Filipino may wilt down the stretch if it goes the distance. Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune said he doesn’t expect a meltdown. “Manny did old school training,” said Fortune. “He’s a freak of nature. “We brought back the bamboo sticks to whack his body for a purpose. He endured the pain and liked it. I don’t think Ugas has ever fought anyone quite like Manny before.” The referee will be Russell Mora with Patricia Morse Jarman, Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld the judges.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
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