LAS VEGAS – Tonight was meant to be a celebration, the culmination of all that the great Manny Pacquiao has accomplished – a champion in eight divisions in four decades, a star all over the world.
Yordenis Ugas was not here for the Pacquiao party, although he was here for his arrival. And he made good on his promise to bring all his respect for Pacquiao to the ring.
Ojas, who accepted the job in 11 days, scored Pacquiao’s unanimous decision Saturday at T-Mobile Arena to retain the WBA “Super Welterweight” title, spoiling the festivities in a surprise victory that made him a key player in. The best boxing section.
It was scored by all three judges of Ogas: 116-112, 115-113 and 116-112. ESPN had 116-112 for the Ugas.
“I am so excited, but most of all, I want to thank Manny Pacquiao for giving me this moment in this episode today,” said Ojas (27-4, 12 KOs). “We only had two weeks of training, but I listened to my corner and it worked.”
Ogas, the 35-year-old Cuban, won as a +310 sub, according to Caesar William Hill. He beat Pacquiao 151-130 in total punches even though Pacquiao threw more than twice as many punches, 815-405.
Ojas has won four fights in a row since losing by split decision to Sean Porter in March 2019, a fight many believed he won.
Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs), 42, has been fighting for the first time since July 2019, when he made a split decision on Keith Thurman.