Manny Pacquiao: I Want To Prove To Everyone That I Am Still Here

As Manny Pacquiao prepares for his fight against Yordenis Ugas on Saturday, he said he’s fighting to reclaim his own belt.

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) is set to face Yordenis Ugás (26-4, 12 KOs) in the WBA welterweight title fight on Saturday, August 21. In January, Pacquiao was labeled as a “champion in recess” after the WBA took away his belt due to inactivity.

Ugás won the vacant title in June 2020 over Abel Ramos.

“I want to prove to everyone, especially Yordenis Ugás, that I am still here. My title was given to Ugás,” Pacquiao said. “That is not how you become a champion. You earn it by winning it inside the ring. We will fight for the title.”

Twenty years ago, Pacquiao snatched the title after an opportunity to go toe-to-toe with IBF junior featherweight champion Lehlo Ledwaba appeared. The fight was stopped in the sixth round after a barrage of punches.

Pacquiao walked out a champion once more.

If the Filipino boxer wins on Saturday, he will become the oldest champion at 147 pounds for the second time in two years.

But amidst all the noise of the upcoming bout, the 42-year-old hinted he might not be making any defenses of the belt if he wins.

“I know what Ugás is feeling because twenty years ago I was Ugás,” Pacquiao said. “I am not taking him for granted. In fact I am taking him as seriously as I took Errol Spence.”