T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas – Yordenis Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) pulled off a big upset to win a twelve round unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) to retain the WBA welterweight title. (photos by Ryan Hafey)
The scores were 115-113, 116-112, 116-112.
Pacquiao, 42-years-old, was fighting for the first time since July of 2019.
Ugas was using the jab in the first, using his long reach. Pacquiao was landing very quick punches with his combinations. Ugas was throwing a lot of jabs in the second, holding Pacquiao at bay. In the third, Ugas continued with the jab and was landing right hands. Pacquiao began to rally with punches, but Ugas was firing back as well.
Pacquiao was going to work at the start of the fourth. Ugas would come back with solid boxing. The face of Pacquiao was swelling up in the fifth, as both had moments. Pacquiao close very strong with numerous combinations. During the sixth, Pacquiao edged things out with his quick flurries.
The seventh was close. Both had moments, with jabs being utilized. Ugas was being very accurate in the eight, especially with the right hand. A close ninth. Pacquiao was switching up the tempo to land his shots and Ugas was connecting with punches as well. They started trading big punches in the first minute of the tenth. Ugas continued to land that right hand, while making Pacquiao miss a lot of punches.
Ugas was being patient in the eleventh and getting off with punches, and Pacquiao was still unable to land his big shots. During the twelfth, Ugas was still connecting well with the right hand. Pacquiao was getting tagged often for most of the round.