By Felix Jesus Mendoza
The legendary Filipino boxer has once again put on the table the factors that determined his performance in one of the most critical moments in his career. After a period of inactivity that exceeded two years, the return of Manny Pacquiao to the ring It didn’t turn out as his followers expected..
The fight against the Cuban Yordenis Ugás marked a before and after in his sports career.
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Despite coming from important victories against figures like Keith Thurman and Adrien Broner at the beginning of the decadethe prolonged rest affected the multi-champion’s rhythm.
Manny Pacquiao He decided to defend his WBA title against a high-caliber rival like Ugás, who accepted the challenge with determination. The final result was a unanimous decision defeat that left questions about the Filipino’s physical condition.
The error in physical preparation prior to combat
In a recent conversation with the specialized media Interior the Ringthe boxer explained that his body did not respond in the usual way. According to him, the implementation of an unusual recovery technique before entering the ring was the trigger for his motor problems.
Manny Pacquiao He attributes his lack of mobility to a wrong technical decision made minutes before the fight.
“For the fight against Ugas, we did a routine that we don’t usually do before a fight. That’s what happened to me: cramps in both legs”declared the Filipino boxer.
The impact of cramps on performance
The lack of movement allowed Yordenis Ugás to dominate the distance and connect the best blows during the twelve rounds. The judges’ cards, with scores of 115-113 and 116-112reflected a technical superiority of the Cuban against a diminished rival.
Manny Pacquiao He explained that he had never before experienced a sensation of muscle paralysis of that magnitude in an official competition.
“Before the fight, we used the massage machine. During the fight, I had cramps and couldn’t move. It was the first time in my career that something like that happened to me”the athlete confessed to Interior the Ring.
The road to revenge against Floyd Mayweather
After that meeting, retirement seemed final for the Philippine idol, who dedicated himself to exhibition fights.
However, his recent draw against Mario Barrios last July has revived industry expectations. Manny Pacquiao maintains its relevance at welterweight and already has its sights set on a large-scale commitment for the end of this year.
If the agreements remain as planned, the fans will be able to witness a new chapter of the most lucrative rivalry in history.
It is expected that Manny Pacquiao faces Floyd Mayweather in a revenge fight this coming September.
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