Errol Spence Jr has vowed to face the winner of the revised clash between Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas after he was forced to withdraw from his scheduled meeting with former with an eye injury on Tuesday.
Unified WBC and IBF champion, Spence was set for a legacy-defining showdown with Pacquiao in Las Vegas on August 21st, but Premier Boxing Champions announced on Tuesday that the Texan had suffered a torn retina to his left eye, confirmed during a pre-fight medical examination Nevada State Athletic Commission in Las Vegas on Monday.
The 31-year-old flew back to Texas today and will have surgery on Wednesday and is expected to make a full recovery.
“I’m very disappointed that I won’t be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21,” Spence said.
“I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition.
“I’d like to apologise to everyone. You know I’ll be back as soon back soon. We’ve come back from worse.”
Spence took to Twitter to update his fans and said after meetings with three doctors he is aiming to face the victor.
“Went to three different doctors all said the same thing I’ll be back for the winner for sure,” he wrote.
WBA ‘Super’ welterweight world champion, Ugas was set to defend his crown against Fabian Maidana on the undercard, but will now face the eight-division world champion in the main event at the T-Mobile Arena.
Pacquiao will receive the opportunity the regain the belt he claimed with a split decision victory over Keith Thurman in July 2019.
Went to three different doctors all said the same thing I’ll be back for the winner for sure
— Errol Spence (@ErrolSpenceJr) August 10, 2021
The 42-year-old was subsequently stripped by the governing body in January due to inactivity and Ugas was elevated from ‘Regular’ champion and the Senator sent his best wishes to Spence.
“First and foremost, I ask everyone to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Errol Spence Jr.,” Pacquiao said.
“Thank God his physical examination discovered his eye condition before he suffered any further damage.
“I have agreed to fight Yordenis Ugas on August 21 for the WBA welterweight super championship. The proper way and the only way to win a world title is inside the ring.”
I pray for a full and complete recovery for @ErrolSpenceJr.
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 10, 2021
Ugas has won three on the bounce since a split decision defeat to former world champion, Shawn Porter in March 2019, most recently outscoring Abel Ramos in September.
The 35-year-old admits it’s an honour to face ‘Pacman’ and aims to go down in Cuban history with victory.
“It’s an honour to fight the great multiple division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, as I am more than ready to take on this challenge,” Ugas said.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight. I’ve been in camp working hard with my coach Ismael Salas and I know together we will come up with a masterful game plan to combat anything Manny will bring to the ring.
“I wish Errol Spence Jr. a speedy recovery and I want to ensure the fans that I will be at my best for this fight.
“Everyone knows my story about how I came to America to follow my dreams of becoming a world champion, and now it’s time to stamp my legacy with a victory, as one of the best Cuban fighters to ever put on a pair of gloves.
“I love my country and I want to dedicate this fight to all the men and women who are fighting for freedom.”
