Published 15:06 IST, August 11th 2021

Manny Pacquiao to fight Yordenis Ugas as Errol Spence Jr pulls out due to injury

Manny Pacquiao will fight Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas as Errol Spence Jr is forced to pull out with an eye injury.He will undergo surgery in the coming few days.

Reported by: Prithvi Virmani
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Image Credits: AP/@yordenis_ugas - Instagram | Image: self
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After almost two years of absence, Manny Pacquiao is ready to step back inside ring. In May, Pac-Man took to social media to drop poster of his upcoming fight, confirming Errol Spence Jr as his next opponent. However, Spence learned he had a torn retina during a pre-fight medical examination by Nevada Athletic Commission in Las Vegas on Monday.

clash was set to take place on August 21 in Las Vegas, making it one of most highly-anticipated bouts of year. 

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“I was excited about fight and event,” Spence said in a news release. “Unfortunately, doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that re was way I could fight with my eye in that condition.”

Spence, who has returned home to Dallas and will have surgery to repair tear on Wednesday, and is expected to make a full recovery.

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WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas is promoted from undercard to face Pacquiao instead.

Pacquiao opens up about Spence's injury scare

"First and foremost, I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr," Pacquiao said in a statement.

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Pacquiao n thanked God that physical examination discovered eye condition before Spence suffered any furr dam and proceeded to talk about his next opponent.

"Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any furr dam. I have agreed to fight Yordenis Ugas on August 21 for WBA welterweight super championship. proper way and only way to win a world title is inside ring."

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Pac-Man’s last clash came in July 2019 where he defeated Keith Thurman, proving to world that he still boasts his godly power and speed.

Ugas says he's 'coming to win' against Pac-Man

Ugas beat Abel Ramos for available WBA regular welterweight title in September before being elevated to WBA super champion after Pacquiao was stripped of belt.

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"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight," said Ugas.

"I’ve been in camp working hard with my coach Ismael Salas and I kw toger we will come up with a masterful game plan to combat anything Manny will bring to ring."

35-year-old Cuban had been preparing to make his first title defence against Fabian Maidana, but will instead take on Pacquiao, who has a 62-7-2 record.

(Im Credits: AP/ @yordenis_ugas - Instagram)

15:06 IST, August 11th 2021