Pacquiao v Ugas predictions and boxing betting tips: Pac Man can still go

Free boxing tips, best bets and analysis for the welterweight world championship bout between Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 3.00am Sunday

Best bet

Manny Pacquiao to win by decision
2pts 6-5 bet365

Preview

One of the biggest names in boxing, Manny Pacquiao, returns to the ring after more than two years away against Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas this weekend.

The Pac Man hasn’t fought since a points victory over Keith Thurman in July 2019 and at 42 is surely nearing the end of a glittering career.

In his absence the WBA stripped the Filipino fighter of his welterweight belt and it was won by Ugas.

Pacquiao had been scheduled to fight the undefeated Errol Spence Jr, but after an injury to Spence’s eye, it was announced that Ugas would step in.

The 35-year-old Cuban beat Abel Ramos to capture the welterweight crown and now embarks on his first defence. After a bronze at the Olympics in 2008, Ugas turned professional in 2010 and boasts a record of 26 wins and four losses.

The former Olympian has a four-inch height and two-inch reach advantage over the diminutive Pacquiao and will be hoping to put it to good use.

Pacquiao has been outspoken in the press about his desire to secure a knockout victory over the boxer who took the belt in his absence. However, while Pacquiao does have the better knockout percentage of the pair, 63 per cent to Ugas’s 46, at this stage of his career, there have to be question marks over how much power he has retained.

In addition, the Pac Man has knocked out only one of his last ten opponents, while Ugas has never been stopped, with all four of his professional losses coming via decision.

As a result, for all the talk of knockouts, it may be worth siding with the fight going the distance. Pacquiao may not retain the power of old, but he is still one of the greatest boxers of all time and his movement and hand speed are second to none.

In what may be one of his final appearances in a boxing ring, take the Pac Man to win by decision.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport