Photo from MP Promotions
MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao offered nothing but well wishes Errol Spence after the unbeaten American had to withdraw from their welterweight title clash due to an eye injury.
Spence begged off after learning during a pre-fight medical examination that he has a torn retina in his left eye that requires surgery.
“I pray for a complete recovery for Errol Spence. Luckily, his examination prevented further damage to his eye,” Pacquiao said in a statement Wednesday.
Yordenis Ugas, who was elevated as the WBA (Super) welterweight champion due to Pacquiao’s inactivity, has agreed to replace Spence in the Aug. 21 bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“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,” said Pacquiao, 42, who is returning in the ring for the first time since beating Keith Thurman back in July 2019 to win the WBA (Super) belt.
While the 35-year-old Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs) is not in the same class as the two-belt champion Spence, Pacquiao isn’t taking the Cuban Olympic bronze medalist lightly.
“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.”