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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Boxing devider Ugas trainer casts doubt on Pacquiao's knockout power

Ugas trainer casts doubt on Pacquiao's knockout power

Published Aug 20, 2021 04:03 pm

Ismael Salas, the head trainer of Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas, has nothing but respect for Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas works the mitts with compatriot and coach Ismael Salas. (Premier Boxing Champions)

In fact, Salas was all praises for the fighting senator during the final press conference at the MGM Grand Garden ahead of their super WBA title bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, Aug. 21. there.

READ: Ugas to give 'best effort' vs Pacquiao

"Ugas is a very competitive guy. He's always eager to fight and to fight Manny Pacquiao is an honor. He's a legend. To me he's a guy who is an inspiration for the new generation of fighters," said Salas.

But the Cuban tactician was quick to put the "buts" in between his kind words for Pacquiao, the only eight-division world boxing champion, as far as his explosiveness is concerned.

READ: Ugas on fighting Pacquiao: This means the world to me

"So much respect but for sure, look back and talking about KO (knockout), he long time no give KO to anyone. Yes, he has been dropping people but never KO for a long time."

Record-wise, Pacquiao indeed last scored a technical knockout win against Argentine boxer Lucas Matthysse in July 2018 to capture the regular WBA welterweight title and bounce back from his controversial loss against Australian boxer Jeff Horn in July 2017.

READ: Ugas out to prove worth vs Pacquiao

Pacquiao, then 39, scored his first knockout win in eight years as he floored Matthysse in the seventh round. The fighting senator dropped the Argentine three times, in rounds three, five, and seven, before the bout was halted by referee Kenny Bayless.

Looking back further on his heydays, at 29, Pacquiao's last knockout win was against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in November 2009.

READ: 'Poetic justice' for Pacquiao if he beats Ugas, says Gibbons

Since then until the win against Matthysse, Pacquiao's victories were led to the judges' scorecards with multiple knockdown performances.

And this is something that Salas has been very keen on.

READ: Pacquiao out to defy Father time anew vs Ugas

"Either way, if you look back, Pacquiao, yes, he's coming from different angles. Very nice. But Ugas as well," said the Cuban master. "I saw Ugas has mastered to fight southpaws. So let's see who can see who. The worst punch in boxing is the one you can't see. Let's see."

Pacquiao (62-7-2 record, 39 knockouts) has not fought since scoring a split decision win over Keith Thurman in July 2019 to capture the super WBA welterweight then, now owned by Ugas, while the Cuban pugilist climbed to a 26-4 card since beating Abel Ramos last September.

READ: Pacquiao in peak condition, says trainer Fernandez

Related Tags

World Boxing Association WBA yordenis ugas ismael salas Manny Pacquiao
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