Manny Pacquiao had just been dealt his eighth career loss, Sunday (Manila time).
Though not as brutal as the defeat he suffered at the hands of rival Juan Manuel Marquez back in 2012, it was just as painful.
Entering the bout, the world’s only eight-division boxing champion was the heavy favorite, holding a minus-330 odds to win. Yordenis Ugas, the reigning WBA Super Welterweight champion, was a plus-275.
Moreover, Ugas only had 12 days to prepare for Pacquiao.
But even Pacquiao knows that his physical was starting to fail him.
“I was having a hard time in the ring to make adjustments with his style. I think that’s the problem for me. I was not able to make adjustments right away,” lamented the 42-year-old boxer and lawmaker moments after the bout.
“My legs were also tight.”
Pacquiao’s trademark head movement slowly disappeared as the minutes went by during the 12-minute affair. His patented punches from weird angles were visibly out as well.
All in all, Pacquiao only landed 16-percent of his shots (130-of-815). He was only able to connect on nine jabs and 88 power shots.
Photo from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
In contrast, Ugas, who had a two-inch reach advantage, had 37-percent efficiency with his punches — going 50-of-234 in his jabs and 101-of-171 in his power shots.
“It was a big adjustment for a few days. It’s still good because that’s boxing,” Pacquiao continued.
Now the question is whether Pacquiao will focus on politics or continue on with his boxing career.
With the loss, potential money fights against Terrence Crawford or Spence have been thrown out the window. Then, of course, the filing for candidacy will happen later this year.
For Pacquiao — who has had a storied 72-fight career, the decision will come in a month’s time.
“I don’t know. Let me rest first and relax before making a decision to fight again,” he said about his boxing career.
“I will make a final announcement next month. I know that I’m facing a big problem in something more difficult than boxing,” he added about running for a higher post.
“I want to help the people.”
If this was his last fight, Pacquiao hoped that everyone enjoyed the ride.
Photo from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
“I hope that in my more than 20 years in boxing, I gave you enjoyment and happiness.
“That’s boxing. We have to face another tomorrow again and plan for the future,” he closed.
