Manny Pacquiao will fight Yordenis Ugas instead of Errol Spence Jr.

Manny Pacquiao will still battle for the welterweight title on August 21 in Las Vegas – it just won’t be against Errol Spence Jr.

The Filipino senator will now face Cuban Yordenis Ugas after a tear in the retina in Spence’s left eye was discovered during a pre-fight medical examination, PBC reported on Tuesday. The review was conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and took place on Monday. Spence will undergo surgery Wednesday in Dallas.

Ugas, the 147-pound ESPN No.6 boxer, was set to defend his title against Fabian Maidana in PBC’s chief support fight on Fox PPV. Maidana was injured in the fight on Tuesday and had already withdrawn from the fight against Ugas, sources told ESPN. One fight will be added to the map to once again make it a four-fight PPV TV show.

“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21,” said Spence, who holds two welterweight titles. “I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the medics found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to have the operation as soon as possible and that there was no way I could. fight with my eye in this state.

“I would like to apologize to everyone. You know I’ll be back as soon as possible. We’re back from the worst.”

Worse yet, Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) was involved in a horrific car crash in October 2019 that resulted in a lengthy hospital stay.

ESPN’s No.4 pound-for-pound boxer Spence returned a year later with a unanimous victory over Danny Garcia, setting up a decisive fight with Pacquiao.

The future Hall of Famer was trying to achieve one of the best victories in 40 years in the history of boxing. Pacquiao, 42, beat Keith Thurman to win the WBA title in July 2019, but has not fought since. During that hiatus, the WBA recognized Ugas as their champion, even rejecting a July petition from Pacquiao for reinstatement.

“The right – and only – way to win a world title is inside the ring,” said Pacquiao, ESPN’s No.3 welterweight. “… I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery of Errol Spence Jr. Thank goodness his physical examination discovered his eye problem before he suffered any further damage. . “

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) is experiencing eye damage. He inflicted a hellish beating on Antonio Margarito in 2010, shattering his orbital bone and inflicting retinal detachment in his right eye.

The victory earned Pacquiao a title in an Eighth Division, the most in boxing history. More than 10 years later, Pacquiao is still on top. And now he will seek to become champion again against another formidable foe.

Ugas, 35, won bronze for Cuba at the 2008 Olympics and in his only title shot, gave up a controversial decision to Shawn Porter in a title fight in 2019.

Now he’s gearing up for a much bigger and unexpected test.

“It’s an honor to fight the great multi-division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, because I’m more than ready to take on this challenge,” said Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs). “I have tremendous respect for Pacquiao, but I’m coming to win this fight. Everyone knows my story of how I came to America to pursue my dreams of being world champion, and now it’s time to score my legacy with a victory, as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves, “he added.” I love my country and I want to dedicate this fight to all men and women fighting for freedom.