FILE — Yordenis Ugas celebrates after finishing 12 rounds against Manny Pacquiao in their WBA welterweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steve Marcus/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—After beating Manny Pacquiao convincingly despite being on just 11 days’ notice, Yordenis Ugas believes he will have far less trouble given a much longer time to prepare in the event of a rematch.
“The main difference if there is a rematch is that we will be even better prepared,” Ugas said as posted on boxingscene.com.
“That is an important distinction heading into the rematch where I will have a full training camp specifically preparing for Manny Pacquiao,” added Ugas, who filled in for the injured Errol Spence in the main event last Aug. 22 (Manila time) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Both are open for a second encounter. Pacquiao even reportedly said that he “can come back in January” amid the uncertainty with regard to his boxing future.
Ugas upset Pacquiao, a sizable favorite, by a clear unanimous decision.
And he is more than willing to share the ring again with boxing’s only eight-division champion, whom he has high regard for.
“Manny Pacquiao is a legend. He is a warrior,” said the 35-year-old Cuban. “There was never any concern over taking the fight on short notice. Manny Pacquiao is a legend.
“The moment it was offered, I said yes. It will be my honor and pleasure to face him again”
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