Date: 22/08/2021
Venue: T-Mobile Arena
Manny Pacquiao can defy Father Time and a late change of opponent to claim a 63rd career victory versus Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas.
Pac Man was scheduled to face WBC and IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr, who was forced to withdraw because of an eye injury.
This is still a tricky test, but we’re taking 1/3 for the 42-year-old ring legend to come through as our first Pacquiao vs Ugas prediction.
A Look At Manny Pacquiao’s Betting Odds
Pacquiao has been out of action for just over two years, which is obviously a concern at his age.
However, he performed well to outpoint smart duo Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman in 2019 and it is hard to go against a fighter ranked number five on the all-time pound-for-pound list.
Pac Man certainly seems fired up for this bout, as he bids to reclaim the WBA welterweight super championship stripped from him during his absence.
Pacquiao declared: “Ugas is a champion because they gave him my belt. Now, we have to settle it inside of the ring.
“What I can say to the fans is that this is definitely not an easy fight, but it’s no problem for me at all to switch the styles that I’m going to face.”
Pacquiao has defeated 22 world champions during his incredible career, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto.
He has enjoyed an amazing 39 victories inside the distance, notably producing a spectacular second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton back in 2009.
Only one of his last 10 bouts did not go the full 12 rounds, though, so 11/8 for a win on points appeals from the Pacquiao vs Ugas odds.
A Look At Yordenis Ugas’ Betting Odds
Ugas was a superb amateur for Cuba, winning a gold medal at the 2005 World Championships and bronze at the 2008 Olympics.
The 35-year-old turned professional in 2010 and established a 23-3 record before being handed a crack at Shawn Porter for the WBC welterweight title.
Most observers felt Ugas did enough to claim that belt but he was on the wrong end of a split decision.
Nicknamed 54 Milagros, the Miami-based boxer recovered to beat former world champion Omar Figueroa and Mike Dallas.
Last September, Ugas outpointed Abel Ramos to land the WBA welterweight belt, which he was preparing to defend on this card.
He also insists the late switch is not an issue, commenting: “I’ve had a lot of experience doing this before fights.
“It’s happened multiple times, so I’m truly prepared at all times to adjust to whatever comes my way.
“Fighting Manny Pacquiao is very significant to me. It means the world to me. This is the most important fight of my life.
“I’m not fighting for the money, I’m fighting for my legacy and for my country,” quotes Sky Sports.
The underdog will give it a go, but Pac Man remains a huge box office draw and the postoned clash with Spence is still on the cards.
We’re happy to take 12/5 for the Filipino legend to get a unanimous decision to complete our Pacquiao vs Ugas betting tips.
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