Manny Pacquiao retired from the sport of boxing in 2021 after a bruising loss to Yordenis Ugas.
The Filipino multi-weight world champion was originally set to face Errol Spence Jr before the latter withdrew due to an eye injury. Ugas stepped in, putting his WBA Welterweight World Title on the line. The Cuban outlanded Pacquiao and won a unanimous decision with scores of 116–112, 116–112 and 115–113.
In a near 15-minute video posted on social media one month later, Pacquiao thanked those instrumental in his career, including trainer Freddie Roach, before confirming his time in the sport was over.
“Even me, I’m amazed at what I have done. The only boxer to hold world titles in four different decades and became the oldest boxer to win a world welterweight title, an amazing accomplishment.
“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao.”
Of course, this year it is now well known that he has u-turned on that call and will return to Las Vegas on July 19 to face WBC Champion Mario Barrios, with a win breaking his own record as the division’s oldest ever titleholder.
Commenting on a post this week that addressed the ‘punishment’ Pacquiao took and may face again this summer, Ugas summed up his former rival in nine words, appearing to fully back his ring return.
“He’s a warrior, he’s a champ, he’s a legend.”
Though the above is not in doubt, the majority of analysts and fighters have criticised the match-up, particularly given the fact that the 46-year-old legend will walk straight into a world title shot, leap-frogging legitimate and active contenders. The WBC has stood by its decision.
