Manny Pacquiao names new opponent after Errol Spence Jr. pulls out
- Joe Hewlett
- 11 August 2021
"First and foremost, I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr."
Yordenis Ugas has replaced Errol Spence Jr. as Manny Pacquiao's next opponent on August 21.
It comes after Spence was forced to withdraw from their proposed summer clash because of an eye injury. Pacquiao - boxing's only eight-division world champion - was scheduled to take on welterweight's unified champion in Las Vegas.
However, Spence has a torn retina and will require surgery. The American admitted 'there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition.'
Ugas - the current WBA welterweight titlist - was originally fighting on the undercard but will now be promoted to headline against the Filipino.
Pacquiao, 42, will return for the first time since 2019 where he overcame Keith Thurman to become world champion again.
"Pacman" - who has been serving his role as senator in the Philippines - will now have the chance to win the WBA strap back having been stripped of it in January because of inactivity.
Ugas is an experienced Cuban who has won 62 of his 71 professional fights and will make the first defence as world champion.
"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.
"Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any further damage.
"I have agreed to fight Yordenis Ugas on August 21 for the WBA welterweight super championship. The proper way and the only way to win a world title is inside the ring."
