Connect with us

Featured Articles

The Official TSS Pacquiao-Ugas Prediction Page

Published

on

The-Official-TSS-Pacquiao-Ugas-Prediction-Page

Manny Pacquiao, in the fashion of the late Muhammad Ali, has become a global superstar, a man who has transcended his sport. No matter the opponent or title at risk, a Pacquiao fight is a major event. Saturday’s match in Las Vegas between “Senator PacMan” and Yordenis Ugas will overshadow all other sporting events this weekend.

Whenever a really big fight comes down the pike, we invite our panel of writers to share their thoughts. The respondents are listed alphabetically.

RICK ASSAD — Saturday’s clash between Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas will be a sprightly-fought affair. Pacquiao is 42 and isn’t what he once was, but will carry the night against the 35-year-old Cuban, who stepped in for Errol Spence Jr. An eight-division king, Pacquiao has a three-fight winning streak that includes victories over Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman, and will make it four in a row despite giving up seven years in age, three inches in height and two inches in reach.
The fight will go the full 12 and Pacquiao, based on overall activity and a late knockdown, will prevail. PACQUIAO UD.

BERNARD FERNANDEZ — I’ve been a Manny partisan ever since I saw him take apart Ledwaba so many years ago. I knew then he could become something truly special, and he has matched and even exceeded my wildest expectations. That said, Father Time is the opponent no fighter, even a great one like Pacquiao, can outpoint indefinitely. Remove any trace of sentiment from the equation and I was prepared to pick Spence, with some assistance from the natural laws of diminishing returns, to score a UD over the Fab Filipino, and maybe even win inside the distance. Ugas for sure is no day at the beach, but I think Pacquiao’s margin for error is not quite as narrow now. I’m going with the senator to launch his campaign to be president of the Philippines with a victory. PACQUIAO MD.

JEFFREY FREEMAN – Verily, verily I predict that Manny Pacquiao will defeat substitute opponent Yordenis Ugas. The Cuban underdog will be motivated to perform at his best, and he will, but Manny will always be a few steps and few points ahead of him in the ring. Pacquiao wins a competitive but unanimous decision – PACQUIAO UD

THOMAS HAUSER — There’s no way to know what Pacquiao has left. But based on past performances, I’ll say Manny by decision.

ARNE LANG – Someday Manny Pacquiao will grow old overnight. We won’t know until after-the-fact, but it’s hard to believe that a man of his vintage hasn’t suffered any skill erosion since his last ring engagement 743 days ago. The concept of “value” is less relevant when betting on boxing than when betting on a team sport (a subject for another day), but the prevailing odds say more about Manny’s lofty status than they do about whatever edge he may have over his formidable Cuban opponent. UGAS TKO 10

KELSEY McCARSON — While I remain incredibly disappointed that the intergenerational superfight vs. Spence isn’t going to happen due to Spence’s eye injury, I find myself giddy at the prospect of seeing Pacquiao inside the ring again. The 42-year-old shouldn’t be favored against world-class welterweights like Ugas this late in his boxing career, but here he is. Ugas, 35, is a strong fighter with some nice skills, but Pacquiao’s rare combination of speed and power will befuddle the Cuban over the course of the fight. PACQUIAO UD

MATT McGRAIN — Pacquiao is Pacquiao and he will be the pick for the majority of contributors to The Sweet Science I presume; not without reason; Manny is one of the greatest fighters who has ever lived. My pick though is Ugas. I’m picking Ugas for two reasons, both of them time-honored. The first is inactivity. Pacquiao will be two years out by the time the first bell goes. Such handicaps can be overcome in the modern era, Klitschko-Peter perhaps the defining example. But the second is age. Pacquiao is 42 years old. That is five important years older than Vitali when he matched Peter.  The contrary pick will be based around Pacquiao’s greatness as a fighter and the euphemism that is “modern nutrition.” Make no mistake though, taking out the number four welterweight contender at this stage of his career remains a feat of no small matter should Pacquiao achieve it. UGAS UD.

SEAN NAM — Ugas may very well be a top-four welterweight, but he will have his hands full with Pacquiao. A counterpuncher who is adept at walking his opponents down behind a high guard, Ugas tends to be too patient at times on offense, leaving Pacquiao to rattle off his customary rapid-fire combinations. Unless Pacquiao’s stamina (a problem for him lately) deteriorates significantly in the second half of the fight, I see a clear decision for the Filipino senator. PACQUIAO UD

TED SARES — Pacquiao has lost a lot of pop on his punches, but still connects with the occasional flash power shot. He also continues to use amazing angles and surprise movement. Still, bear in mind that he did not beat a very beatable Horn—though that decision was “hinky” to this writer. And aside from Matthysse, he was not able to stop Broner or anyone else since going all the way back to his destruction of Cotto in 2009. Thus, stopping Ugas is highly unlikely. However, with the attendant nostalgia that this may be his last fight and with just about every person in the Universe pulling for him except perhaps President Duterte, PacMan will have plenty of fan support. This, along with his vast experience and skill set, should carry the day. PACQUIAO UD

PHIL WOOLEVER — There’s always a chance that time finally catches up to a 42-year- old fighter like Pacquaio, but beyond that scenario there doesn’t seem to be anything on Ugas’ record to suggest he’ll do much more than serve as a measuring stick to determine how much precision punching Manny has left in the tank. PACQUIAO UD.

Check out more boxing news on video at the Boxing Channel

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Results-and-Recaps-from-New-York-Where-Taylor-edged-Serrano-Once-Again
Featured Articles16 hours ago

Results and Recaps from New York Where Taylor Edged Serrano Once Again

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

From-a-Sympathetic-Figure-to-a-Pariah-The Travails-of-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr
Featured Articles5 days ago

From a Sympathetic Figure to a Pariah: The Travails of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Catterall-vs-Eubank-Ends-Prematurely-Catterall-Wins-a-Technical-Decision
Featured Articles7 days ago

Catterall vs Eubank Ends Prematurely; Catterall Wins a Technical Decision

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Paro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

A-Boxing-Card-in-Alabama-Goes-Pfft-A-True-Tale-from-the-Underbelly-of-the-Sweet-Science
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Boxing Card in Alabama Goes Pfft: A True Tale from the Underbelly of The Sweet Science

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Avila-Perspective-Chap-333-Jake-Paul-JC-Chavez-Jr-Zurdo-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 333: Jake Paul, JC Chavez Jr, Zurdo and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

When-Boxing-Was-Big-on-the-Fourth-of-July-A-TSS-Classic
Featured Articles1 week ago

When Boxing was Big on the Fourth of July: A TSS Classic

Avila-Perspecrive-Chap-334-Back-to-Back-Boxing-Cards-in-the-Big-Apple
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 334: Back-to-Back Boxing Cards in the Big Apple

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Results-and-Recaps-from-New-York-Where-Taylor-edged-Serrano-Once-Again
Featured Articles16 hours ago

Results and Recaps from New York Where Taylor Edged Serrano Once Again

Philadelphia-Welterweight-Gil-Turner-a-Phenom-Now-Rests-in-an-Unmarked-Grave
Featured Articles1 day ago

Philadelphia Welterweight Gil Turner, a Phenom, Now Rests in an Unmarked Grave

Avila-Perspecrive-Chap-334-Back-to-Back-Boxing-Cards-in-the-Big-Apple
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 334: Back-to-Back Boxing Cards in the Big Apple

From-a-Sympathetic-Figure-to-a-Pariah-The Travails-of-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr
Featured Articles5 days ago

From a Sympathetic Figure to a Pariah: The Travails of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

Catterall-vs-Eubank-Ends-Prematurely-Catterall-Wins-a-Technical-Decision
Featured Articles7 days ago

Catterall vs Eubank Ends Prematurely; Catterall Wins a Technical Decision

Avila-Perspective-Chap-333-Jake-Paul-JC-Chavez-Jr-Zurdo-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 333: Jake Paul, JC Chavez Jr, Zurdo and More

When-Boxing-Was-Big-on-the-Fourth-of-July-A-TSS-Classic
Featured Articles1 week ago

When Boxing was Big on the Fourth of July: A TSS Classic

A-Boxing-Card-in-Alabama-Goes-Pfft-A-True-Tale-from-the-Underbelly-of-the-Sweet-Science
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Boxing Card in Alabama Goes Pfft: A True Tale from the Underbelly of The Sweet Science

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending