Pacquiao, Ugas meet for the first time

Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas have finally met.

The encounter between the two boxers took place at the grand arrivals held in Toshiba Plaza in front of T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday (Las Vegas time).

This is the first time Pacquiao and Ugas met since the latter was announced as the replacement for Errol Spence, Jr.

Nagharap na sa unang pagkakataon sina Manny Pacquiao at Yordenis Ugas. #PacquiaoUgas

Sasabak sa ring ang dalawa sa Linggo, August 22 (Manila time).

(Photos: GMA News stringer Jhay Otamias) pic.twitter.com/nORL8DHSzX

— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) August 18, 2021

Pacquiao said he looks forward to fighting the Cuban boxer.

"I think this is kind of a challenge and a good fight. I know both of us are well-prepared for this fight so it's got to be a good fight," Pacquiao said.

The eight-division world champion said he isn't treating Ugas as a mere replacement but is in fact taking the Cuban boxer seriously.

"I am not taking him for granted. In fact I am taking him as seriously as I took Errol Spence," said Pacquiao. "I have had a great training camp and I am well-prepared.  I want to prove to everyone, especially Yordenis Ugás, that I am still here," he added.

"My title was given to Ugás. That is not how you become a champion. You earn it by winning it inside the ring.  We will fight for the title.  That is the proper way a champion is crowned," Pacquiao said.

Ugas was given the WBA welterweight title when Pacquiao was declared as 'champion in recess' due to his inactivity early this year.

Ugas, meanwhile, said he is dedicating this fight for his fellow Cubans.

“I’m a fighter not only inside of the ring, but outside of the ring I fight for the freedom of my people,” said Ugas. “That’s the most important thing to me. I hope everyone fighting for freedom in Cuba is safe and knows that I’ll be fighting for them on Saturday.”

Pacquiao and Ugas will fight for the welterweight title on Sunday, August 22 (Manila time).

Watch the fight on GMA Network and listen to blow-by-blow updates on Super Radyo DZBB. — LA, GMA News