Yordenis Ugas takes the high road with Manny Pacquiao
When Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KO’s) recently went head-to-head with WBA super world welterweight champion Yordenis “54 Milagros” Ugas (27-4, 12 KO’s), the majority of people foresaw another victory for Pac Man. Sure, some thought that Ugas would give a good account of himself and some thought he might even win. Yet, next to no one thought that Pacquiao would suddenly turn into Old Man Logan overnight. In the end though, that is exactly what happened.
Once in the ring with Ugas, it was clear that the Filipino’s hand speed was still intact. However, his famous feet were nowhere to be found. A huge part of Pacquiao’s game revolves around his ability to dart in and out using his impressive footwork. In against 54 Milagros, Pac Man had lead feet and was extremely stationary. For those familiar with his style, it was impossible not to notice this night-and-day difference in his attack. Unsurprisingly, shortly after the contest, Pacquiao openly attributed his lackluster performance to his uncooperative legs. He even went so far as to tell the Athletic that had he been 100%, Ugas would have been easy work.
“In my entire career, Ugas was one of my easiest opponents. [He] only had one one style, and I should’ve been able to easily move away…you’ve seen how I move in my fights before. I couldn’t move in this fight. My legs just…stopped.”
THE HIGH ROAD
Throughout this whole process, Ugas has been exceedingly respectful to everyone involved. When IBF and WBC 147-pound champion Errol Spence Jr initially got injured and opened the slot for him, the Cuban showered him in praise and good will. Now in victory, and even with Pacquiao talking about him lightly, 54 Milagros maintains his same high class demeanor. Rather than throw stones at the walking highlight reel, Ugas simply gave him his just due and offered a chance to run it back.
WHAT YOU GONNA DO???
On the one hand, it’d be easy to say that Pacquiao was a sore loser. Yet, it is impossible to pretend like he was not performing as normal. So can we really take shots at him for giving an explanation for what we all saw take place? At the same time, Pac Man doesn’t seem to be calling for a rematch, but just giving background as to why he lost. So, if Pacquiao has no interest in running it back with Ugas, then degrading him is in somewhat poor taste. Not to mention a rematch would put all the speculation to rest.
Provided that they fought again, and the Pac Man that defeated Keith Thurman shows up, then we can chalk everything up to a bad night in the office. If they staged a rematch and Pacquiao’s wife had to feed him again because his face is swollen shut again, well then we’d all know he is finally done. The question is, will Manny Pacquiao sign-up to provide this definitive answer? At the moment that is way up in the air. Until then, we can only cross our fingers and hope for the best. In the meantime however, it’s refreshing to see Ugas function with the class than he has.
By: Bakari Simpson
