‘Incredible’ Pacquiao awes former foe Yordenis Ugas

Manny Pacquiao slips in a punch through Mario Barrios’ guard during their WBC welterweight title bout at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.–Esther Lin/Premier Boxing Champions

HOLLYWOOD—Former welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas, who upset Manny Pacquiao in their August 2021 fight, was left in awe by the Filipino legend’s inspiring showing against Mario Barrios.

Pacquiao showed he’s still going strong even at 46 after going toe-to-toe with a much bigger opponent who’s also 16 years younger.

READ: Pacquiao, back in boxing, says ‘forget about politics’

“Damn, but I’d heard all along that the Pacquiao who fought me was finished, dead, nothing,” said Ugas on social media.

“How is it possible that four years later he comes against a kid 16 years younger and puts up another good fight?”

Ugas was a late replacement for Errol Spence, who was forced to withdraw from the Pacquiao fight due to a retinal tear in his left eye.

READ: Campaign, failed Senate bid robbed Pacquiao time to train

Pacquiao’s lackluster performance against Ugas led critics to believe his good days in boxing were over, especially after he announced his retirement a month later following the loss.

When the eight-division world champion decided to come back after a four-year exile, only a few gave him a shot against Barrios.

Pacquiao proved he could still hang with the top fighters in the 147-pound class after battling Barrios to a majority draw–a result that didn’t sit well with many, including current and former boxing world champions.

“It was a very close fight. But Pac-Man is incredible. Without a doubt, one of the best fighters in history,” said Ugas, who hasn’t fought since losing to Barrios by unanimous decision in September 2023.