MANNY PACQUIAO made an unsuccessful return to the ring tonight to face Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight title, losing on points.
Pac Man, 42, was set to face pound-for-pound king Errol Spence Jr but the American was forced to pull out after having eye surgery.
Instead the Filipino legend took on Ugas, who beat him with scores of 115-113, 116-112×2.
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U-GOT IT
Manny Pacquiao threw double the amount of punches than opponent Yordenis Ugas – but the Cuban landed with more accuracy, writes JACK FIGG.
Pacquiao was beaten in his first fight for over two years as he returned to the ring – but it was not for a lack of trying.
According to CompuBox, the Filipino boxing icon threw 815 punches, compared to Ugas’ 405.
It meant he was twice as active, but was 21 per cent less accurate.
Ugas landed with 37 per cent of his punches, totalling 151 over 12 rounds, while Pacquiao finished with only 130, equalling 16 per cent.
Most importantly for the champion was his jab, which helped establish dominance in the battle between southpaw and orthodox.
Ugas landed 50 of the 234 he threw, with an accuracy rate of 21 per cent.
For Pacquiao, he found home with 42 of the 475 thrown, meaning he connected with just nine per cent of his lead southpaw jabs.
PAC IT IN
Manny Pacquiao admits he ‘may not’ return to the ring following his loss to Yordenis Ugas, writes CHISANGA MALATA.
The Filipino legend, 42, suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the WBA welterweight champion in front of a packed crowd at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Father Time looked to have finally caught up with the 42-year-old, who is now thinking about life after boxing.
In his post-fight press conference, he said: “In the future, you may not see Manny Pacquiao fight again in the ring.
“I don’t know. But for how many decades, I’m so happy with what I’ve done in boxing.
“I contribute a record in boxing also and to make boxing the top.
“And especially bring honour to my country and the Filipino people.
“I’m so proud to be a Filipino and thankful to all the fans all over the world.”
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DAN THE MAN
Two-weight world champion Danny Garcia has taken to social media to praise the efforts of both Pacquiao and Ugas.
The American ace tweeted: “Ugas fought a great fights.
“Props to Manny for taking on a tough challenge still a legend.”
PAC MAN
What a career indeed!
If this is the end, then Pacquiao can have no regrets from his career.
Simply one of the greatest boxers to ever step foot in the ring.
MANN ALIVE
Manny Pacquiao landed fewer punches on Yprdenis Ugas than he did in his defeat to Floyd Mayweather.
The Filipino legend threw a total of 815 punches, but connected just 130 times.
In contrast, Ugas successfully landed 151 out of his 405 punches.
PACQUIAO VS UGAS 2?
Yordenis Ugas has revealed he’s open to giving boxing great Manny Pacquiao a rematch following his unanimous decision victory over Filipino.
During the post-fight press conference, Ugas said: “He can have a rematch.”
When asked if he thinks Manny would want a second bout, the Cuban said: “200 per cent. Manny is a great legend, a great fighter.
“If he wants a rematch, no question about it. A legend like that deserves it.”
Yordenis Ugas lands a stiff jab on Manny PacquiaoCredit: AP ‘GREATNESS’
Former WBO welterweight champion Jesse Vargas has heaped praise on boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, praising him for not taking easy fights deep into his forties.
When asked how the world will remember Manny Pacquiao, he said: “Always willing to take on the best in the division.
“He could’ve got a tune-up fight with the short time that he had when Errol Spence was injured.
“But he didn’t, he chose to go after a champion.”
SPORTING WORLD REACTS
Here’s how the sporting world has reacted to Manny Pacquiao’s unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas.
EMOTIONAL
An emotional Manny Pacquiao made sure to address his legions of fans inside the T-Mobile Arena and around the world before he made his way backstage.
After the defeat, the eighth of his 26-year-long career, he said: “I really appreciate you coming here.
“I hope in my 20 years in boxing, you enjoyed it. That’s boxing.
“I congratulate my opponent. Let’s face another tomorrow.”
Manny Pacquiao waves to fans after his decision loss to Yordenis UgasCredit: Rex Pacman blows a kiss to his legions of supporters in the T-Mobile Arena and around the worldCredit: Rex ALL SMILES
Despite coming up short against Ugas, loveable fan favourite Manny Pacquiao still all smiles as per usual.
ERROL SPENCE JR REACTS
IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr has offered his thoughts on Manny Pacquiao’s defeat to Yordenis Ugas.
PACMAN TEASES RETIREMENT
Manny Pacquiao has hinted his defeat to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas could be his final foray into the ring.
The 42-year-old said: “I don’t know,” if I’ll fight again.
“Let me relax and think about it. Final announcement is in October for presidency.
“I want to help my people.”
He added: “I will make a final announcement next month, I know that I am facing a big problem and more difficult work than boxing.”
UGAS WINS!
Yordenis Ugas wants to unify the welterweight division – specifically with Errol Spence Jr.
He says: “Now the plan is to unify the title at welterweight. Everyone said he was the champion, now they know the real champion.
“(Spence) is the next one on the list that I want to fight but I’m praying he recovers.”
UGAS WINS!
He says: “I’m very excited, but most of all I want to thank MP for giving me this moment in this ring today.
“I told you I am the champion of the WBA and I showed you tonight.”
Ugas adds: “He’s a tough, great competitor, but I came in here to show that I am the champion of the WBA and a lot of respect for him, but I won the fight.”
Credit: AP
PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Judges score the bout: 115-113, 116-112 (x2) and the winner by unanimous decision… Yordenis Ugas!
The Cuban celebrates a career-defining night and retains his WBA belt.
What now for the legendary Manny Pacquiao?
Credit: AP PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 12: Final round here and it’s all to play for, could it be the final three minutes of Pacquiao’s career?
Pacquiao sent off balance as Ugas lets his hands go, really stamping his authority in the closing stages.
Ugas finishing strong with combinations, it’s been a career-best and life-changing performance from Ugas.
We go to the judges scorecards in Las Vegas…
Credit: AP PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 11: Good combination lands for Pacquiao, double jab, left hand ended with a right hook. He needs more of that.
Pacquiao coming forward and really pushing the pace but another looping right hook lands for Ugas.
Bit more activity for PacMan in that round, and if some of the close rounds have gone his way, he may not be far behind.
Credit: AFP PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 10: Left hand sneaks in for Pacquiao as the two come together on the inside, Ugas left unfazed.
The Cuban then times a perfect right hook around the side which shook PacMan’s chin.
Double jab followed by a right hand lands for Ugas, who has had a response for everything Pacquiao has thrown at him.
Credit: EPA PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 9: Pace has slowed down which only suits Ugas, who is happy to just counter with his lead left hand jab.
Pacquiao has just not been able to get in a rhythm but has landed some eye-catching combinations.
Ugas was able to defend most coming his way but it was more promising from PacMan.
Credit: EPA PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 8: Ugas comes out fast and lands a sweeping right hook right on the button.
Another right hand lands for Ugas who is really starting to boss the action.
Left hook clips Pacquiao and ends probably Ugas’ best and most convincing round.
Credit: Rex
PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 7: Ugas countering well with his jab and then covers up as Pacquiao tries to throw in combinations.
Ugas comes forward and lands with combinations of his own, really taking control.
Pacquiao is starting to look outmatched unless he can find a way to get in a rhythm and land in numbers.
Credit: Rex PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 6: Slow round in the middle stages, with again Ugas controlling the action with his jab.
Pacquiao even leaped in with a lead right hook and was made to miss the target, a sign of his frustration.
Heading into the second half, challenger PacMan needs to up his product and throw in numbers.
Credit: Rex PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 5: Short one-two lands for Pacquiao, who comes forward but Ugas just steps out of range.
PacMan edging out the jab and throwing the odd lead left hand, looking to throw combinations again.
Better round for the Filipino legend, but not yet able to put a dent in Ugas.
Credit: Getty PACQUIAO VS UGAS
Round 4: Ugas lands a good short right uppercut as the pair come together on the inside.
Pacquiao tries to lead off with one of his famous left hands before pivoting off, but Ugas counters with a good right hand.
Defending champion Ugas looks the stronger and more accurate of the two so far.
Credit: Rex
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
