Manny Pacquiao Feels Slighted WBA Took His Title

On Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas, future Hall of Famer and former WBA World Welterweight title holder, Manny Pacquiao, met the media with the man that organization has now deemed as it’s new top titleist, Yordenis Ugas. And, the 42 year old Filipino icon made clear that he wants the belt back.

Pacquiao was on the dais with Ugas taking questions from Fox Sports’ Heidi Androl, who asked specifically about the bout that was for Errol Spence’s two titles now being against a late replacement fighter, who has the title he had up until this Summer

“It’s not good for WBA to strip my belt without fighting me, without challenging me. Let’s see if he gets the belt on Saturday”

When asked by Androl about whether Pacquiao sees Ugas as a champion? He continued,

“Both of us are champions.”

Pacquiao, 62-7-2, did gain the WBA’s “Super” version of the Welterweight belt with his last victory- a thrilling 12 round split decision over former unbeaten Keith Thurman in July of 2019. However, due to his political position in the Filipino government and then the Covid 19 outbreak last Spring/Summer, he’s been inactive.

In active for so long, that the organization designated him a newly titled “Champion in Recess.

Alas, that’s when the WBA eventually elevated Ugas, 30-4 to Pacquiao’s status by virtue of this 12 round decision over Abel Ramos last September. So, the Cuban veteran now has a piece of leverage in what will be the biggest fight of his life.

He said at the presser Wednesday about whether he believes the veteran star can knock him out?

“I am 100% certain he cannot knock me out. I’ve done all the work and all the preparation. Over these past six years, I’ve really been hitting my stride. I don’t think Manny Pacquiao can knock me out.”

The almost 20 minutes of “give and take” on the platform between the two was followed by some individual Q & A with media members assembled and that concluded the last time the two will speak to the press before their Saturday 12 round clash.

However, in a bit promotional irony, they were both photographed holding up their own WBA belt. And, barring a draw or no decision, only one of them will leave the T-Mobile Arena ring with it.