Ilonggo sportsmen and coaches believe that Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao failed to use his old winning form after he was defeated by Cuban fighter via unanimous decision, (115-113, 116-112 x 2) on Sunday, Aug. 22 (PH time).
Ugas used his height and chiseled body that seems unbreakable to defend the WBA welterweight title against the 42-year-old Pacman, who looked like a very different version of himself compared to his previous fights.
During his post media interview, Pacquiao said it was a hard time, making an adjustment about Ugas’ style and he thinks that was the problem because he didn’t make an adjustment.
During their clash, Pacquiao led on the first few rounds, attacking his foe with so much energy. However, Ugas countered them perfectly and was able to throw solid body punches. The remaining rounds favored to Ugas as he turned up the heat while Pacquiao could not find the knockout blow and fell short.
For Ilonggo sports men, they believe Pacquiao suffered a defeat because he couldn’t penetrate and Ugas was effective in their exchanges, landed cleaner blows.
Ilonggo sportswriter for more than 30 years, Alex Vidal, said Ugas effectively utilized his killer right while Pacquiao couldn’t connect his combinations and couldn’t match Ugas’ volume of accurate punches.
“Ugas used science to frustrate Pacquiao in that match. He must retire. He loses his marketability,” shared Vidal.
Ilonggo sports man Edwin Caro Laru-an said Manny was schooled by Ugas.
“Wala siya maka adjust sa straight jab and right cross ni Ugas who used his length so that pacman could not enter and do his countless punches. Ang weakness ni Pacquiao is naga edad na siya and and two weeks nga adjustment niya. He prepared sa isa ka southpaw fighter kag style ni Spence ang all of the sudden orthodox naman iya kontra. Gin dala gid ni Ugas ang iya amateur fighter orientation which is very effective,” Laru-an shared.
Ray Cabarles, who is also a sports aficionado, said being unfamiliar with your opponent is like fighting in the dark. “Manny was caught by surprise of the fighting style of Ugas. He found it hard to make a good opening inspite of adjustments. It may be attributed to the change of opponent in a short period of time.”
Cabarles also added that in boxing, style makes a fight. Ugas style dictated Pacquiao instead of the other way around and that’s the result of not knowing the boxing style of your opponent.
After his defeat, Pacquiao was asked if he will run for Philippine president and he said he will make a final announcement next month. “I want to help the people. I want to help them.”
Meanwhile, in the undercard match, Pinoy boxer Mark Magsayo did a backflip in the ring after knocking out Mexico’s Julio Ceja in the 10th round of their welterweight bout. Magsayo remains undefeated now notching his 23rd win and 16th KO win of his career.IMT
Photo by Patrick Fallon/AFP
