Manny Pacquiao is a unique fighter who transcended boundaries. He has amassed so many stunning records that analysts agree there will never be another “Pac-Man.” On the night of August 21, he lost to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba, and the star is likely to leave the ring for good.
The WBA welterweight title fight in Las Vegas was intense. Manny Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision. His rival used his size and skills to secure a convincing victory. Now, Pacquiao is getting ready to run for the president of the Philippines, so this may be the last fight in his boxing career.
What Now?
The defeat stunned everyone: spectators, experts, and sponsors (the best New Zealand gambling sites had accepted bets for the event). Over the past two decades, no other fighter has managed to make people laugh and keep them at the edge of their seats simultaneously. The boxing star said he had no definite plans for retirement, but it seems inevitable.
The 42-year-old had returned from a two-year absence. At the age of 40, he broke Keith Thurman’s record and title reign. Yet, the “Pac-Man” we saw on Saturday night was a ghost of the powerful puncher he used to be.
This is why his original decision to confront Errol Spence Jr, who eventually withdrew, was admirable. Pacquiao was due to fight the dangerous pound-for-pound feted IBF and WBC champion. The fact that he did not get to share the ring with him was a relief.
Amazing Legacy
Pacquiao’s track record does not even seem real:
- No other fighter has won world titles in 8 divisions.
- He is the only boxer who became a world champion in four different decades.
- Pacquiao switched weights flawlessly.
- Overall, he has had 72 professional fights with only 10 defeats.
The star grew up in poverty. His father killed and ate his pet dog. He ran away and left on the streets of Manila making money through donut sales. His youth was filled with desperation, but he became the biggest American boxing star against all odds. No other Asian athlete had achieved mainstream popularity in the US.
Pacquiao’s partnership with Freddie Roach, which started 20 years ago, is one of the most successful fighter-trainer duos in boxing. After a fallout in 2017 due to the boxer’s political ambitions, the two reunited and now Pacquiao is at Roach’s side.
At one point in his career, Pacquiao challenged 8 Mexican opponents in a row. Today, he is one of the greatest fighters in Mexico, second only to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. He was also better at capturing hearts than Mayweather. Although he got defeated in their defining matchup, all of Mayweather’s money cannot buy the same legacy.
A Look Ahead
The presidential elections in the Philippines are scheduled for May 2022. It is unlikely that Pacquiao will be able to juggle sports and politics anymore. This feels like the right moment to bring his glorious career to an end.