- The Washington Times - Sunday, August 22, 2021

Father time appears to have caught Manny Pacquiao.

The 42-year-old, future Hall of Famer suffered a unanimous decision defeat to WBA titleholder Yordenis Ugas on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, losing 115-113 and 116-112 twice on the judge’s scorecards. It was a two-year layoff for Pacquiao, but the boxer lacked his usual speed and movement that made him one of the best fighters of all time. 

Now, the question for Pacquiao becomes if he’ll fight again. 

Pacquiao said afterward he was unsure if he’s headed toward retirement.

“I don’t know,” said Pacquiao, whose record now stands at 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts. “Let me rest first, relax, and make a decision if I will continue to fight or not.”

Pacquiao, a senator in the Philippines, has also been rumored to be eyeing a presidential run in his home country. But the boxer also stopped short of confirming that, saying he’d make an announcement in the next few weeks.

“I know that I am facing a difficult problem in a more difficult world than boxing,” Pacquiao said. “But I want to help the people.”

Against Ugas, Pacquiao was competitive early, but the 5-foot-6 fighter had trouble dealing with his opponent’s jab and length. Ugas landed the cleaner and harder punches throughout the fight, taking control of the contest in the second half. 

Ugas, too, was a late replacement — taking the Pacquiao fight just 11 days before meeting the welterweight in the ring. Pacquiao was originally scheduled to face Errol Spence, considered to be one of the top fighters in the sport but who pulled out with an eye injury. Ugas stepped in, having been training to fight Fabian Maidana on the undercard. 

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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