Pacquiao to fight Ugas instead of injured Spence
Manny Pacquiao will now face Yordenis Ugas in a welterweight bout on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas after expected opponent Errol Spence Jr. bowed out due to an eye injury, Premier Boxing Champions announced Tuesday, according to Mike Coppinger of ESPN.
Ugas was initially slated to defend his WBA title against Fabian Maidana on Aug. 21.
Meanwhile, Spence will reportedly undergo surgery Wednesday for a retinal tear in his left eye that was discovered during a pre-fight medical exam. Spence is the current IBF and WBC welterweight titleholder.
"I'm very disappointed that I won't be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on Aug. 21," said Spence, according to Coppinger. "I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition.
"I'd like to apologize to everyone. You know I'll be back as soon as possible. We've come back from worse."
Pacquiao, 42, last fought in July 2019, beating Keith Thurman for the WBA title. Since then, the WBA has recognized Ugas as its welterweight champion.
Ugas, 35, is 26-4 with 12 knockouts, last beating Abel Ramos by split decision in September 2020.