SPORTS SHORTS 210: YORDENIS UGAS SAYS HE IS EVEN MORE PREPARED FOR A MANNY PACQUIAO REMATCH
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 05 Sep 2021
Yordenis Ugas believes he has more time to train for Manny Pacquiao if a rematch is being agreed by both fighters' camps. He is so optimistic of victory over Pacquiao again in a possible return bout.
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“The main difference if there is a rematch is that we will be even better prepared,” Ugas was quoted by Boxing Scene in a recent Zoom media conference call. “That is an important distinction heading into the rematch where I will have a full training camp specifically preparing for Manny Pacquiao.”
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A rematch was circulating in media after Ugas scored an upset twelve-round unanimous decision win over the popular Filipino boxing icon last August 21 WBA Super world welterweight title fight. Ugas (27-4, 12KOs) convincingly won in the three scorecards 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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The Cuban asserted that the second encounter would result in a more satisfying success for him if in case Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39KOs) would proceed with such rematch.
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On eleven days notice, Ugas was the underdog leading to the fight, with Pacquiao a 4-1 betting favorite despite emerging from a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Both fighters were training for different fighting methods.
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The left-handed Pacquiao prepared for the southpaw Errol Spence, while the right-handed Ugas trained for the orthodox Fabian Maidana of Argentina. Spence suffered an eye retinal injury while Maidana was cut in sparring paving way for the Pacquiao-Ugas tussle.
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“Manny Pacquiao is a legend. He is a warrior,” declared Ugas. “There was never any concern over taking the fight on short notice. Manny Pacquiao is a legend."
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The impromptu fight with Pacquiao was like manna sent from heaven for Ugas which he yearned for years, and a second fight would fascinate him much more. This time the Cuban world champ will be the overwhelming favorite as the eight division world titlist will be turning 43 that time.
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“The moment it was offered, I said yes. It will be my honor and pleasure to face him again." Ugas happily would agree to a rematch with the Filipino boxing icon.
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“Two-hundred percent,” Ugas said about a rematch during their post-fight press conference. “You know, Manny’s a great legend, great fighter. You know, if he wants a rematch, no question about it. You know, a legend like that deserves it.”
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Pacquiao had a rematch clause in his contract, but is still undecided whether to face Ugas again or any other fighter. The senator will announce any time soon as his decision will depend on his political plans for the 2022 national elections.
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If he decides to throw his hat to the more challenging presidential derby, then he won't have the time to train for another fight. But if he opts for the more relaxed senatorial reelection, then he will have all the time in the world to prepare for one more tussle.
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“In the future, you might not see Manny Pacquiao again to fight in the ring,” Pacquiao was quoted during the press conference. “I don’t know. But for how many decades, I am so happy for what I have done in boxing.”
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Pacquiao also had a rematch clause in his contract when he lost the WBO world welterweight title fight with Australia’s Jeff Horn, who upset Pacquiao by a highly disputed unanimous decision. Pacquiao just passed his rematch option.
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The 35-year-old Ugas completely outclassed Pacquiao much more thoroughly than Horn defeated as the 5-foot-9 Ugas’ height and 69 inch reach prevented Pacquiao from fighting so close and connecting inside.
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Ugas' defense was so tight and his jabs were stinging the Filipino legend's face. The Cuban's strong right hands penetrated through Pacquiao’s guard.
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Ugas landed 181 total power punches compared to Pacquiao's 88. Ugas out punched Pacquiao 151 to 130. Ugas hit more jabs at 50 than Pacquiao's 42.
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If Pacquiao chooses not to fight him again, Ugas said he will always be grateful for the opportunity to fight Pacquiao who made him a household name in the world of boxing.
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“I wanna thank Manny Pacquiao for sharing the ring with me,” Ugas said. “He’s a great legend, one of the greatest fighters that ever lived. So, I’m always gonna respect him. I’m always gonna look up to him because not only is he a great fighter, he’s a great human being and a class act.”
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In a radio interview, Pacquiao said he would discuss his political and boxing plans with his family after the quarantine he observed upon his arrival from Las Vegas.
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Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that DeAndre Jordan is expected to sign a one-year, $2.6M deal with the Los Angeles Lakers after he clears waivers. In 113 games with the Brooklyn Nets, 49 as a starter, Jordan averaged 7.9 points and 8.7 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game.
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Stephen Curry is now the NBA's highest-paid player for the fifth straight season, as reported by ClutchPoints. He signed a 4-year, $215 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, and is due to more than $48 million next season, and that will continue to increase to $59 million in the final year of his contract.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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