Fight Night: Manny Pacquiao Battles Yordenis Ugas In Las Vegas

(Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images)

For The last 25 years, Manny Pacquiao has challenged the notions many of us have when it comes to boxing. He’s pushed through eight weight classes and taken on all challengers regardless of their status. Somehow, he’s managed to continue fighting at a high level into his early 40s. With that said, his longevity will be tested as he takes on a skilled counter puncher by the name of Yordenis Ugas. The two men weren’t supposed to fight each other, but they ended up sharing the ring tonight after both of their scheduled opponents suffered injuries. While it is never great to see a fighter back out due to an injury, this fight does allow for the consolidation of WBA belts in the welterweight division. Regardless of who comes out on top, one thing is certain. There will be a singular men’s WBA welterweight champion after tonight. Now, it’s time to figure out who will wear the WBA crown.

Round One

Ryan’s Scorecard: Pacquiao leads Ugas, 10-9

Analysis: Leading into this fight, much was made about Manny Pacquiao’s last performance against Keith Thurman in 2019. While Pacquiao’s performance was something to marvel at, he’s come with an entirely different game plan for a different fighter tonight. The Filipino champion is consistently throwing caution to the wind as he jumps to the inside and throws jabs. Through his activity, he appears to be gaining Ugas’s respect. In return, Ugas is countering with body shots and occasionally pushing his opponent away.

Round Two

Ryan’s Scorecard: Pacquiao-Ugas tied, 19-19

Analysis: Pacquiao is continuing to jump inside in hopes of finding an entry point. The veteran fighter wants to turn this into a “firefight.” However, that’s not what Ugas is here for. He’s sitting back patiently and countering as he’d like to. Through two rounds, Pacquiao is definitely the busier fighter, but Ugas has been more accurate and landed more.

Round Three

Ryan’s Scorecard: Pacquiao leads Ugas, 29-28

Analysis: Through the first quarter of this fight, things haven’t gone necessarily according to expectations. Ugas has functioned as the “boxer” while Pacquiao has conducted himself as the “fighter.” This has made for an interesting fight with ebbs and flows. At times, Ugas has been able to control things at a slower, more tactical pace while Pacquiao is able to control things at different times by pushing the action. The only question is if Pacquiao can keep this up for 12 rounds. Only time will tell. Either way, it’ll be fun to watch.

Round Four

Ryan’s Scorecard: Pacquiao-Ugas tied, 38-38

Analysis: Pacquiao is finding success by throwing double jabs, but Ugas has adjusted to this pace quicker than some would have expected. The Cuban fighter is finding his groove in this fight, but he must be careful not to aim at or around the belt. The referee seems prepared to take a point away if it happens again. In a fight as close as this, there is no room for error. Not to mention, this same referee docked a point from Ugas in a previous fight.

Round Five

Ryan’s Scorecard: Ugas leads Pacquiao, 48-47

Analysis: This fight will be an interesting case study on what judges are looking for. Ugas has been the more efficient and effective fighter. However, Pacquiao has brought the energy and thrown more punches. Not to mention, he’s been able to mark up Ugas’s fight a bit. I personally prefer the more effective style of Ugas, but judges may favor Pacquiao’s more active nature.

Round Six

Ryan’s Scorecard: Ugas leads Pacquiao, 58-56

Analysis: Ugas is picking the right moments to let go of his hands. The longer the fight goes on, the more Pacquiao seems to slow down. The Filipino legend is trying to get inside, but he is struggling to do so. As a result, Ugas is keeping his distance and making it a fight only when he wants to make it a fight.

Round Seven

Ryan’s Scorecard: Ugas leads Pacquiao, 68-65

Analysis: Watch out for that right hand. Ugas has been able to grab control with this fight by landing more than 50% of his power shots. Most importantly, he’s keeping Manny somewhat at bay with that straight hand. With that said, he needs to keep his hands from around Pacquiao’s belt. I don’t know how many pushes and belt shots are going to be allowed before a point is taken.

Round Eight

Ryan’s Scorecard: Ugas leads Pacquiao, 78-74

Analysis: Manny Pacquiao is not moving with the same bounce that he did in the earlier rounds. As a result, Ugas has been able to keep Pacquiao at bay and land that right hand. Now, Ugas is landing nearly 60% of his power shots. If Pacquiao doesn’t pick it up, Ugas will walk away with a big payday and a potential fight with Spence Jr. or another top welterweight.

Round Nine

Ryan’s Scorecard: Ugas leads Pacquiao, 88-83

Analysis: Pacquiao is known for his engine, but he’s certainly slowing down. Adding on, he’s been kept at a distance and he hasn’t found any answers to the questions that Ugas is asking. The Cuban champion is longer and seemingly more athletic at this stage of the fight.

Round Ten

Ryan’s Scorecard: Ugas leads Pacquiao, 98-92

Analysis: As mentioned on the broadcast, Ugas has out-landed Pacquiao in eight of the ten rounds. Also, it appears that Ugas no longer respects the power behind the few clean shots that Pacquiao is landing. Not to mention, he’s having trouble outmaneuvering Ugas on his feet. With that said, Pacquiao was able to turn this fight into a brawl for a brief moment in this round. If he’s going to steal knockout win, he’ll have to take a chance doing that in rounds 11 and 12.

Round Eleven

Ryan’s Scorecard: Pacquiao leads Ugas, 108-101

Analysis: Pacquiao isn’t being hurt. In fact, many of these rounds have been pretty close. However, he just looks like he doesn’t know what to do. I hate to keeping saying it, but Ugas is longer and continuing to land the right hand as soon as his opponent comes in. As a result, the 42-year-old is consistently off-balance and running out of energy.

Round Twelve

Ryan’s Scorecard: Ugas def. Pacquiao, 118-110

Official Result: Ugas def. Pacquiao (115-113, 116-112, 116-112)

Analysis: In the end, Pacquiao slowed down in the second half. He couldn’t execute his game plan late and frankly, he looked small. To Ugas’s credit, he did what he needed to do. He kept Pacquiao at bay and got him to respect his power. Most importantly, he didn’t let the moment get to him. He excelled on boxing’s biggest stage like the veteran he is.

Post-Fight Reaction

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