Super WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas has nothing but respect for Manny Pacquiao after clashing for the world title bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday, Aug. 21 there (Sunday in Manila).
Ugas said he is willing to accept a rematch should Pacquiao request it for his next comeback fight, or if there will be next for the eight-division world boxing champion as retirement looms following the unanimous decision loss to the Cuban Olympian in their action-packed 12-round brawl.
"200 percent. Manny's a great legend, great fighter. If he wants a rematch, no question about it," said Ugas, who displayed orthodox master over the southpaw great with his powerful right punches. "A legend like that deserves it."
Ugas later posted back-to-back tweets and expressed gratitude to Pacquiao and wished for a speedy recovery for the Filipino icon after sustaining visible cuts near his eyes.
"Incredible that @MannyPacquiao fought with one of the best fighters in history. Go home and recover champion. Thanks for being an inspiration. legend. I respect," Ugas wrote.
Pacquiao, however, is uncertain on what the future holds for him as far as his boxing career is concerned.
Many experts and analysts believe that this would be the right time for Pacquiao to call it quits and hang his gloves for good, adding that he has nothing left to prove in the boxing ring.
Pacquiao, who will be turning 43 in four months by December, said his desire for boxing is still there but he has to consider his age, physical condition, and his other obligations such as his senatorial duties back in the Philippines.
"In my heart I want to fight, I want to continue to fight but the thing is I have to consider also my body... There's a lot of things I have to accomplish to help people," added the fighting senator. "That's my mission and I want to be an inspiration to all the people, especially the Filipino people inside and outside the ring. That's my goal."
Whether there will be a rematch or not, or even the cancelled bout against unified WBC and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr., the final decision boils down to Pacquiao himself, who will take a much-needed breather before making such important announcements soon.