Is Yordenis Ugas’ Win Against Manny Pacquiao Boxing’s Biggest Upset Of The Year?

For many, it hurt to see future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao lose.

But, at the same time, it was a stellar performance by Yordenis Ugas who, up until after August 21, people knew little to nothing about. After going 12 rounds with the Filipino boxing icon, Ugas captured a major upset win via unanimous decision to retain his WBC title – a win that would send Pacquiao to retirement.

Ugas had taken the fight on just 11 days’ notice after IBF and WBC welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr pulled out due to an eye injury.

Ugas, a former Olympic bronze medalist, took full advantage of his sub in and outboxed the 42-year-old Pacquiao. Ugas was able to use his height and boxing skills while Pacquiao searched for an answer to it the whole fight.

Pacquiao apologized to his fans while Ugas thanked Pacquiao for giving him the opportunity to participate in the big fight.

Pacquiao retired in September. He will now focus on running for president of the Philippines in 2022.

Since Ugas’ win, he’s been paired with other top names in the division like Errol Spence Jr. Reports said he and Spence were working out a contract, but nothing has been finalized.

Ugas previously fought Shawn Porter – who retired after losing to Terence Crawford – and racked a controversial loss. Some fans argue the victory should have gone to Ugas.

The win against Pacquiao certainly opened some doors for him in the division.