Whom is destiny calling?
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 22 Aug 2021
LAS VEGAS. Manny Pacquiao calls himself a “Man of Destiny” while defending WBA welterweight super champion Yordenis Ugas insists it was destiny that brought him the unexpected opportunity to fight the Filipino icon. Ugas wasn’t originally penciled to face Pacquiao but the Cuban got the call to replace WBC/IBF titlist Errol Spence on two weeks notice and seized the chance to step onto the biggest stage of his career. This morning (Manila time), Ugas will stake his crown against Pacquiao in a showdown to determine who really belongs on the WBA throne. Pacquiao was stripped of the WBA belt unjustly for “inactivity” with no consideration of the pandemic and Ugas was elevated from regular to super status as his successor.
Here are 10 factors that could decide the outcome of the scheduled 12-round title bout at the T-Mobile Arena here.
• Experience. Pacquiao has logged 71 fights compared to Ugas’ 30. Ugas’ trainer Ismael Salas said the Cuban has fought about 500 amateur bouts but the record shows only 105. Pacquiao has won 17 of 23 world title bouts and Ugas, one of two. Ugas is 1-1 against ex-world champions while Pacquiao is 25-6-2 against former, current and future world titlists. There’s no doubt who is more experienced. The quality of Ugas’ opposition is also far inferior considering the Hall of Famers whom Pacquiao has beaten. Advantage: Pacquiao.
• Handspeed. Ugas is slow to deliver his punches. Although he has a stiff left jab, it’s not unleashed like a whip. Pacquiao throws dizzying combinations from every conceivable angle. Ugas’ release is predictable as he fires one blow at a time. Advantage: Pacquiao.
• Footwork. Pacquiao’s quickness is triggered by his footspeed. He darts in and out of harm’s way, moves side-to-side to create angles and avoid getting hit. In contrast, Ugas is a standing target, easy to find because he doesn’t slip and slide. Advantage: Pacquiao.
• Durability. Ugas has never been stopped in compiling a 26-4 record, with 12 KOs. He was floored by Thomas Dulorme but got up to win on points. In 2014, Mexican Emanuel Robles decked Ugas and won a split verdict. Salas said Ugas is ready to go 12 rounds and expects to outlast Pacquiao who is seven years older. Will Pacquiao’s legs carry him to survive the distance? Will his gas run out in the late going? Advantage: Ugas.
• Firepower. Ugas has the ability to knock an opponent out with a single blow, a testament to his power. He’s physically imposing and he’ll try to outmuscle Pacquiao in the trenches. Pacquiao has a lot more weapons in his arsenal but doesn’t pack a one-punch sleeper as a welterweight. Advantage: Ugas.
• Cornerwork. In a tactical fight, it will come down to executing the strategies of the cornermen. Freddie Roach and Salas are gurus along cauliflower row. Roach has worked with over 40 world champions and Salas, more than 20. Since Salas began training Ugas in 2016, the Cuban has won 11 of 12. Roach made his debut in Pacquiao’s corner in 2001 when the Filipino dethroned Lehlo Ledwaba for the IBF superbantamweight title. Chemistry is critical in a relationship between a fighter and his teacher. Advantage: Pacquiao.
• Intelligence. Pacquiao’s boxing IQ is off the charts. He works on taking opponents away from their tendencies and comfort zone. If an opponent likes to go left, Pacquiao will make him go right. He’ll direct an opponent to where he’s not in position to fire. That intelligence comes with experience. Ugas has a rich amateur background but that’s insignificant when it comes to the pros. Advantage: Pacquiao.
• Defense. Ugas throws punches from a wide angle, leaving himself open in the middle. Since he’s slow to release, Pacquiao will anticipate his punches and either parry or beat him to the draw. Pacquiao’s constant motion is his best defense because he’s an elusive target. Ugas’ defense is his offense. Ugas has battled six southpaws so far, losing once, outpointing two and stopping three. Defending against a left-handed dervish may be a tough challenge for the Cuban. Advantage: Pacquiao.
• Explosiveness. While Ugas will look to detonate one bomb, Pacquiao will pick his spots and explode when the timing is right. Ugas’ overhand right is a killer and so is his left uppercut to the body. Pacquiao has the ability to explode like a string of firecrackers. He may not take out Ugas with one blow but a torrent of punches could leave him devastated. Advantage: Pacquiao.
• Determination. Both fighters are primed to win. For Pacquiao, he’s out to preserve his legacy. This may or may not be his farewell fight but regardless, Pacquiao won’t want his reputation tarnished by a late replacement. For Ugas, he believes it’s his destiny to beat Pacquiao. He never imagined to fight Pacquiao so soon in his career and now that the opportunity has come, he won’t wait for a second chance. Advantage: Even.
The way things look, Pacquiao will win by a knockout inside of five rounds or by a decision if it goes the distance.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
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