WBC and IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr (27-0, 21 KOs) has pulled out from his upcoming title defense against Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) on 21st August, citing an eye injury.
The fight had been announced back in May with confirmations coming from the socials of both fighters, which would mark ‘PacMan’s much awaited return to the squared circle, against one of the current pound for pound elites.
However, the undefeated Spence has cited a tear in his left eye and needs to undergo surgery, which will deem him unfit for the bout next week as he will be on the recovery period.
“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao.” Spence was quoted in a press release. “I was excited about the fight. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition.”
An IBF welterweight champion since May 2017, Spence Jr clinched his green and gold belt against Shawn Porter on 28th September 2019 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. “The Truth” was last seen in action against Danny García on 5th December last year at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where he defended his WBC and IBF titles.
ALSO READ: Manny Pacquiao gets a visit from Logan Paul at boxing camp, trolls Floyd Mayweather
Spence is replaced by WBA “Super” champion Yordenis Ugas to face Pacquiao
The 42-year-old Senator of the Philippines, who was last seen in action against Keith Thurman on 20th July 2019 and won the WBA (Super) welterweight belt, was removed from his status for his prolonged hiatus away from the ring.
The eight-division world champion boxer will now face Yordenis Ugas, the current WBA “Super” champion who was elevated from the “Regular” status after Pacquiao was named WBA’s “champion in recess” due to inactivity.
Ugas, the Cuban pugilist who won the WBA (Regular) title against Abel Ramos on 6th September last year will now defend his “Super” title against Pacquiao on 21st August at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
(more to follow)
