Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) — Boxing icon and Senator Manny Pacquiao will be squaring off with a new opponent next week after Unified WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. withdrew from the match due to a torn retina.
“I am very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21st,” Spence announced on social media. “Unfortunately, the doctors found a small tear in my eye and said I need to get surgery ASAP.”
Pacquiao wished Spence a speedy recovery. But at the same time, he said he is ready to face World Boxing Association welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 22 (Philippine time) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
“I know Yordenis Ugas is a good and formidable fighter and on August 21, only one fighter will emerge from the ring as the WBA welterweight champion,” he said in a statement.
The Filipino boxing legend added: “This is the best training camp I have had since the first Barrera fight. I am grateful it won’t be wasted. I look forward to showing everyone that Manny Pacquiao is still here to give the fans a good show.”
Pacquiao last fought in July 2019 via a split decision victory over Keith Thurman for the WBA super welterweight title.
He holds a 62-7-2 win-loss-draw record in his 26-year boxing career.
