Los Angeles (AFP)

After two years of inactivity, the legendary Manny Pacquiao made his return to the rings at the age of 42, Saturday in Las Vegas against Cuban Yordenis Ugas, WBA welterweight champion, and dreams of winning yet another title, before perhaps launching himself. be in the race for the presidency of the Philippines.

Nothing and no one can doubt "Pac-Man", crowned in six different weight categories and winner in his long career of 62 fights (including 39 before the limit) for seven defeats and two draws.

Even a change of opponent at the last minute does not disturb the placid Filipino boxer, national icon in his country.

"It took me only two days to adjust, I have faced a lot of right-handed people in my career (...) There is no reason to worry," he said.

For his first fight since July 2019 and his victory against the American Keith Thurman, Pacquiao was indeed due to face Errol Spence, but the American southpaw withdrew less than ten days ago due to an eye injury.

Filipino Manny Pacquiao, during his points victory over American Keith Thurman for the WBA welterweight title, July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas John Gurzinski AFP / Archives

Yordenis Ugas accepted the challenge at the last minute: at 35, the Cuban is not a foil with an Olympic bronze medal in 2008, a world title among amateurs and since his debut among pros 26 wins (including 12 before the limit) for four losses.

- "I feel young" -

"I didn't have a lot of time to prepare for this fight, especially against a boxer of Pacquiao's caliber, but I'm ready to take my chance, I have no excuse," Ugas warned.

Cuban Yordenis Ugas, points winner of American Omar Figueroa Jr, during their welterweight fight, July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas Steve Marcus GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP / Archives

The Cuban has held the WBA welterweight title since September 2020 which was withdrawn from Pacquiao due to his inactivity.

A decision that the Filipino has still not digested and that he intends to rectify with his fists.

"I didn't like someone getting + my + belt without facing me. Let's say we're both champions and we'll see who gets the title on Saturday night," smiled Pacquiao.

His trainer Freddie Roach has no doubts about the outcome of the fight: "He still trains as much and as well as he did twenty years ago. I expect the fight to end in a knockout".

The Filipino Manny Pacquiao prepares with his trainer Freddy Roach, January 10, 2019 in Hollywood, ten days before his fight against the American Keith Thurman, WBA welterweight champion FREDERIC J. BROWN AFP / Archives

While he is credited with the ambition to embark on the presidential race in 2022 to succeed the controversial Rodrigo Duterte, Pacquiao has, as often in his career, taken pleasure in muddying the waters.

"I feel young. I do not know if it is my last fight, I take the fights one after the other", explained the one who is since 2016 senator, after having been deputy, singer, actor or still a basketball player.

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