Pateros Mayor Miguel “Ike” Ponce III has banned mass gatherings including outdoor pay-per-views for the boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas.
Pacquiao and Ugas’ welterweight match will be held on Aug. 21 (Aug. 22 in the Philippines) at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada in the US.
“I appeal and apologize to everyone because we will ban any type of outdoor pay-per-view in which we will invite many people. We will ban mass gatherings to watch the pay-per-view fight between Manny Pacquaio and Ugas. You can have your pay-per-view in your home but do not invite guests, who can bring the virus and you can get infected,” said the mayor in a live broadcast on Facebook.
He said he knows that Pacquiao’s fight will be a big event for Filipinos but since it will happen under the worsening pandemic that the Philippines is facing, it is better to be safe.
As of Aug. 18, Pateros has 239 active coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases out of 5,390 confirmed cases, 5,082 recoveries and 73 deaths.
Pacquiao’s original opponent was Errol Spence Jr. but he withdrew due to an eye injury. Spence was diagnosed with a torn retina.
“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21,’’ said Spence, according to Premier Boxing Champions.
Pacquiao said, “First and foremost, I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr. Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any further damage.”
“I have agreed to fight Yordenis Ugas on August 21 for the WBA welterweight super championship. The proper way and the only way to win a world title is inside the ring,” he said.
According to Ugas, “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.’’
“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,” he added.