Yordenis Ugás Working On Strategy To Outbox Pacquiao Saturday

As Manny Pacquiao is a firm favorite in Saturday night’s fight, Yordenis Ugás says he has to outbox his way to victory over the Filipino boxer.

Ugás (26-4, 12 KOs) has repeatedly said on social media and interviews that he is thankful for the chance to go toe-to-toe with Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) and plans to put on a good fight, and he has a strategy for it.

“I’m going to have to outbox him [Pacquiao] more than anything. That’s the strategy that we’re working on right now,” Ugás said.

Ugás is defending his WBA super world welterweight title on Saturday, which was originally stripped from Pacquiao by the WBA due to inactivity. Pacquiao has said that he’s fighting for his own belt.

Ugás claimed the vacant title in June 2020 over Abel Ramos via split decision. The Cuban boxer was pulled from the undercard after Errol Spence Jr. withdrew last week due to an eye injury.

“I want everyone to know that I didn’t take this fight for the money,” Ugas said. “I took it for my legacy, for my reputation, and I promise to the fans that they’re going to enjoy this fight so much.

“The change in status for both him and I is a disadvantage. It’s something that he and I are both going to have to deal with. We’re both warriors, and we’re able to deal with anything,” he added.