FILE — Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr pose for the media following their press conference at Fox Studios on July 11, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Michael Owens/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao has no problem setting up another fight against Errol Spence Jr. after their supposed August 21 bout was aborted.
Spence, the WBC and IBF welterweight champion, pulled out of the match with two weeks left to go following an eye injury. He had undergone surgery to fix a retina tear.
“Yeah I have no problem with that as long as he’s physically fit and he’s okay,” said Pacquiao (62-7-2). “Let’s pray first for the fast recovery of his eyes, that’s the most important thing.”
Pacquiao was supposed to challenge Spence (27-0) for his belts and The Ring Magazine title in Las Vegas. Instead, the Filipino legend will fight Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight Super championship.
The fight against Ugas will also determine WBA’s undisputed Super champion as Pacquiao was relegated to “champion in recess” status following his nearly two-year-long inactivity after he last fought Keith Thurman in July 2020.
Pacquiao his efforts in training camp won’t be wasted as the match against Ugas (26-4), who was supposed to fight Fabian Maidana in the undercard, will ultimately settle the WBA’s championship status.
“I still consider it a good fight, a hard fight,” said Pacquiao. “I’m not taking this fight lightly. I have to make sure I’m not going to be overconfident.”