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Mike CoppingerESPN
LAS VEGAS: Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, the culmination of all that Manny Pacquiao has achieved: a champion in eight divisions in four decades, a superstar around the world.
Yordenis Ugas was not here for Pacquiao’s party, however, he was here for his own arrival. And he kept his promise to incorporate all due respect to Pacquiao into the ring.
Ugas, who accepted the assignment 11 days in advance, got a unanimous decision on Pacquiao on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena to retain his WBA “super” welterweight title, which ruined the festivities in an upset victory that consolidates him as a top player in best boxing division.
The three judges scored it for Ugas: 116-112, 115-113 and 116-112. ESPN had it 116-112 for Ugas.
“I’m very excited, but most of all I want to thank Manny Pacquiao for giving me that moment in this ring today,” Ugas said (27-4, 12 KOs). “We only had two weeks of training, but I listened to my corner and it all worked out.”
Ugas, a 35-year-old Cuban, earned as a +310 bassist, according to Caesars William Hill. He beat Pacquiao 151-130 in punches although Pacquiao threw more than twice as many shots, 815-405.
Ugas has won four straight fights since losing a split decision against Shawn Porter in March 2019, a fight many thought he won.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), 42, was fighting for the first time since July 2019, when he made a divided decision about Keith Thurman.