Manny shrugs off Ugas’ tactics
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 25 Aug 2021
LAS VEGAS. In a typical class act, Manny Pacquiao declined to comment on the underhanded tactics that WBA welterweight super champion Yordenis Ugas employed in hacking out a win by unanimous decision to retain his crown at the T-Mobile Arena here Saturday night.
In the first round, Pacquiao motioned to Ugas to keep his punches up and before the bell to end the stanza, the Cuban pushed him down to the canvas in a crass show of physicality. Referee Russell Mora stepped in to warn Ugas for another low blow in the second. Another low blow by Ugas in the fifth should’ve prompted Mora to deduct a point but was let go. In the ninth, Ugas pushed Pacquiao down once more. And whenever Pacquiao worked his way close to within striking distance, Ugas did his version of a slow drag with a tight embrace.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said Mora, working his second Pacquiao fight after Adrien Broner, should’ve taken a point away from Ugas “after 10 low blows and his rough stuff.” Pacquiao smiled through Ugas’ tactics and even held out his gloves in a gesture of sportsmanship after every foul. Once, before the bell rang to start a round, Ugas fired, Pacquiao smiled and extended his arm to touch gloves.
Ugas’ history has been marked by violations. Against John Williams in 2013, he was docked a point for a low blow. In 2017, Ugas was deducted a point for a low blow in a fight against Levan Ghvamichava. Against Omar Figueroa in 2019, a point was taken from Ugas for holding. Ugas wasn’t exactly clean in imposing his physicality on Pacquiao. He outmuscled Pacquiao in close quarters, using his elbows and shoulders to wear down the smaller challenger. Stats showed Ugas enjoyed a two-inch advantage in reach but ringside commentators mentioned at least a six-inch edge in terms of arm length.
Asked to comment on Ugas’ style, Pacquiao said he wasn’t surprised. But the problem was he couldn’t move like before because of tightness in both legs. He said he was prepared to battle Ugas on even terms but was hampered by the lack of mobility in his legs. Without movement, it was difficult for Pacquiao to create angles and find the opening to land. He couldn’t engage a bigger, taller and longer fighter straight up without movement. That made it impossible to execute his fight plan.
“With good legs and if the fight were held two years ago, it would’ve been a different outcome,” said Gibbons. “I agree the Senator was a class act to not bring up Ugas’ dirty tactics. Ugas’ style ended up being very bad for the Senator’s style and it didn’t mesh as it made for a difficult fight. The length and size just weren’t good.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
Tue, 01 Jul 2025Dumadag holds chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
By Ace Freeman, Mon, 30 Jun 2025DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Mon, 30 Jun 2025SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Vince Paras Faces Sarawut Thawornkham Today at Venue 88 in Gensan
Sun, 29 Jun 2025USA Elite High Performance Team Sets Sights on Gold at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Sun, 29 Jun 2025