Manny Pacquiao finally saw Yordenis Ugas during the final press conference for their bout held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday morning (Manila time).
But the 42-year-old Pacquiao was eyeing a different thing. All he was looking at was the World Boxing Association Super Welterweight crown — a belt that was stripped from him due to “inactivity” early this year.
Ugas (26-4, 12KO) ended up being elevated as champion.
“I didn’t like that someone took my belt without challenging me in the ring.
“Both of us are champions, but we’ll see who has the belt after Saturday,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao was originally scheduled to face undefeated unified WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. However, Spence suffered a detached right retina two weeks before the bout.
As fate would have it, the 35-year-old Cuban ended up stepping up to face Pacquiao in the main event.
Photo from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
“This has been a long road for me. Obviously, it is short notice that I learned I was fighting Pacquiao, but I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to take advantage of it,” expressed Ugas.
“I’m praying for a fast recovery from Errol Spence Jr. and that he can fight again soon. I of course felt bad when I first heard the news, but it’s a good thing that Ugas was ready to challenge me for the world title,” said Pacquiao.
“I’m glad that we can settle that dispute about the WBA title. It’s always better to talk in the ring.”
Pacquiao though needed to adjust to a righty immediately as Spence was a southpaw. He had no problem with that said trainer Freddie Roach.
“His work ethic today is as good as it was 20 years ago. He’s been unbelievable in training and sparring for this fight,” said Roach.
“I don’t know if it was a bigger confidence boost for me or Manny, but I’m expecting this fight to end in a knockout the way he’s been looking.”
For Pacquiao, he is gunning for a decisive finish as he wants no stones unturned with regards to who the WBA champ really is.
“If there’s a chance for a knockout, then I’ll go for it because that’s what I want to give to the fans. I’m not underestimating Ugas though. He has a lot of experience in boxing and fought in the Olympics,” said Pacquiao, who is coming off a two-year layoff.
“I know I have to be very good to win this fight.”
