Las Vegas (United States) (AFP)

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, for his return after two years away from the rings and perhaps the last fight of his long career which is about to switch to politics, lost in points to Cuban Yordenis Ugas, who retained his WBA welterweight title on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, 42, conceded the 8th defeat of his career (for 62 wins and two draws) unanimously by the three judges (115-113, 116-112, 116-112).

"I don't know" if it was the last fight of his career, he said, still keeping the suspense on his future, whether in boxing or in politics, while presidential ambitions in the Philippines are in him. loaned.

"Let me rest, and I'll tell you," he added with a smile, very moved and apologizing to the 17,438 fans at T-Mobile Arena for his loss.

Asked about his possible candidacy for the presidency of the Philippines in May 2022, the one who is already a senator replied that he would announce his "decision next month", adding that he wants to "help" the Filipino people and that "the world of politics is more difficult than the world of boxing ".

Filipino Manny Pacquiao after losing to Cuban Yordenis Ugas on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas Patrick T. FALLON AFP

Before perhaps attempting to succeed the controversial Rodrigo Duterte, "Pac-Man" faced Ugas in the ring, who dominated him with sharper shots.

Pacquiao was originally scheduled to face Errol Spence, but the American southpaw withdrew a few days ago with an eye injury.

- "I am the champion" -

Ugas, a 35-year-old right-hander, agreed to take up the challenge at the last minute, he who has held the WBA welterweight title since September 2020, withdrawn from Pacquiao due to his inactivity.

A decision that the Filipino had not digested.

Cuban Yordenis Ugas during his victory against Filipino Manny Pacquiao on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas Patrick T. FALLON AFP

"I said, I'm the WBA champion and I showed it tonight. A lot of respect for (Pacquiao), but I won the fight," insisted Ugas who proved solid, taking advantage of his wingspan to reach the face and body of "Pac-Man".

Very smiling against a concentrated Ugas, Pac-Man started the fight, as usual, aggressively and dynamically, despite a fall at the end of the first round.

But the Cuban's punches were more precise and increasingly powerful as the fight progressed, often causing Pacquiao to tip on his heels.

"It's boxing," said Pacquiao, scarred in the face by his opponent's blows.

“I struggled to make any adjustments in the ring. My legs were stretched. I'm sorry I lost tonight, but I did my best."

"We only had two weeks to prepare, but I listened to my coaches and it worked," said Ugas, who now aims to unify the welterweight category.

On his way is Errol Spence, who holds the IBF and WBC titles.

© 2021 AFP