One of the greatest combat sports fighters that we have had the privilege of watching across four decades now is set to make his return to the big stage as Manny Pacquiao meets Yordenis Ugas after a two-year layoff.
Pacquiao will be looking to claim the WBA (Super) welterweight championship from Ugas as Spence Jr. was forced to withdraw due to a severe eye injury. While Pacquiao may show some signs of ring rust early on, I expect him to still outshine, outwork, and out-box Ugas across the better part of twelve rounds. Ugas definitely is not on the level of Errol Spence Jr. but he is still a very competitive fighter. While Ugas benefits from the height and reach advantage, it will be his issues with his lack of speed and power that will prevent him from keeping Pacquiao from constantly coming forward.
Pacquiao is not a spring chicken anymore and while he is 42 years of age, he still has the drive to compete and fight the best. He will have to fight off Ugas’ jab as he looks to move forward, pressure him, and use great hand speed and power to give Ugas fits throughout the bout. Pacquiao has not fought since July of 2019 in a competitive fight against former unbeaten champion Keith Thurman – Pacquiao was able to drop him and gain the advantage in the exchanges to pick up the big win. I do not expect a finish from Pacquiao here as Ugas only has a handful of decision losses and has fought against very good competition. Pacquiao will most likely just pick him apart as he stalks him throughout this championship fight to pick up a unanimous decision victory.
Prop: Manny Pacquiao Wins By decision (+110)
