Pacquiao on loss to Ugas: ‘My mind and heart were there but my legs were not’

Despite being 42 years of age, Manny Pacquiao still had a rigorous training in preparation for Yordenis Ugás.

During his camp, he still did his usual high-altitude jogging in the morning. And unlike his prep for Keith Thurman back in 2019, Pacquiao did 32 rounds of sparring instead of 25.

Pacquiao would say that he felt younger than ever. But that was during training camp.

The bout itself was a different beast altogether.

“I think too much hard work in training. I ran in the mountain and doing 32 rounds every day. I don’t know,” shared Pacquiao.

“But we are not young anymore.”

Pacquiao believes that he overworked himself in training that led to him cramping up just three minutes into the bout.

Of course, Pacquiao had a hop in his step during the opening three minutes of the 12-round affair. But once he sat on the stool during the break, his knees failed him.

“Actually, I know his style but the thing is I want to do my plans in the ring. I’m not saying that this is my excuse but my two legs were cramping, that’s why I can’t move around,” he said.

What went after was a disaster in Pacquiao’s standards.

Though attempting 815 punches, he only connected on nine jabs and 88 power shots. There was no weaving nor bobbing.

Photo from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

When Pacquiao tried to engage, Ugas would simply walk away. It was as if Pacquiao was moving in slow motion.

“During my early days, I can easily move and outbox him. This time around, it’s like my two legs tightened and hurting me,” he said. “It was during the second round until the 12th round. That’s the reason why I cannot move around and just countered his punches.”

It led to a unanimous decision loss. A defeat that was definitely just.

“That’s boxing. I’ve done a lot in boxing and that we are safe,” said Pacquiao.

For the first time in his career, Pacquiao would admit that Father Time may have finally caught up with him.

Yes, the mind was still there but the body was not.

“We cannot avoid that. My mind and my heart are one-hundred percent but my legs were cramping.”