The recent developments in the last 24 hours have switched the expectations for the August 21 date in Las Vegas into a different gear. Some were hoping that the Manny Pacquaio-Errol Spence Jnr bout would have, to a large extent, determined who would reign supreme in the welterweight division but that conversation may have to wait.

Cuba’s Yordeinis Ugas, the WBA welterweight champion, was to defend his title against Fabian Maidana on the same Pacquaio-Spence card and now has the responsibility to step up to the Philipino legend.

According to reports, the Pacman is at least happy he can get to compete, even though he is disappointed that the Spence clash is off, following a retina tear the latter sustained. Spence Jnr is expected to undergo surgery immediately.

Paqcuiao, a senator in his homeland, Philippines where he represents the Sarangani province, has also previously talked about his age of 42 and how it’s no hindrance to a good performance.

In a previous interview, the Pacman talked about feeling young and how it also reflected in his

“It’s not my disadvantage but rather my advantage because for the longest time I have had the chance to rest my body. When I get back to training I feel so excited and happy. I feel like when I am in my early thirties or 29.”

Mentally the focus is always there, my plan is also always there. It’s not just the training but the hard work.” Pacquiao said.

For Yordenis Ugas this will be a major break because he is successful in this bout he would have dispatched an eight division world champion who hardly looks like he has lost any of the steam. After winning 26 out of 30 fights Ugas could be stepping onto his biggest stage yet with this meeting with the legend. His reach advantage could also be utilized effectively to keep the pacey punching Pacman at bay.

“It’s an honor to fight the great multiple division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, as I am more than ready to take on this challenge,’’ the Cuban said via a statement.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight. I’ve been in camp working hard with my coach Ismael Salas and I know together we will come up with a masterful game plan to combat anything Manny will bring to the ring. I wish Errol Spence Jr. a speedy recovery and I want to assure the fans that I will be at my best for this fight.”

Ugas has surely travelled a calculated journey from the amateur days when he won bronze at the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing. Prior to that, he had won gold medals at the 2005 world championship and Central American and Carribean Games, in Cartagena, Columbia in 2006. The building process had also further been buoyed by his participation in the World cadet championships in 2003.  

“Everyone knows my story about how I came to America to follow my dreams of becoming a world champion, and now it’s time to stamp my legacy with a victory, as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves. I love my country and I want to dedicate this fight to all the men and women who are fighting for freedom.’’

So the very confident Ugas will look forward to stepping up to Pacquiao (62-7-2), and also overcome the blunders that denied him a big performance against Shawn Porter in 2019. All things considered, this bout can generate enough excitement, though a Pacquaio-Spence meeting would have drawn bigger interest.

The Pilipino legend will rely heavily on his experience which has also helped him against opponents like Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner. But the Cuban is hungry for success bigger than his WBA belt.  August 21 will tell.