Yordenis Ugas won’t gloat about his stunning triumph over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, August 21 (Sunday, August 22, Philippine time).

The Cuban acknowledges Pacquiao’s greatness and regards the eight-division world champion a class act.

No wonder, Ugas said he’s willing to give Pacquiao a rematch if the Fighting Filipino so desires.

“Manny’s a great fighter. A legend like that deserves a rematch,” said Ugas in Spanish during the post-fight conference of his World Boxing Association super welterweight clash with Pacquiao at the T-Mobile Arena here.

Ugas knows his conquest of the favored Pacquiao would catapult him to fame back home as well as in the international scene.

“I’ve been living under the radar but with this win, I can hope for a unification,” said Ugas, adding the other champions can no longer ignore him because he and Pacquiao fought and decided the title in the ring.

According to Ugas, a former world amateur lightweight champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, he holds Pacquiao in high esteem because they love their countries deeply.

“I’m dedicating this victory to the people of Cuba,” said Ugas, who defected to the United States in 2010.

Though Ugas admits Pacquiao can still punch hard, he said he was able to control the fight from the start.

“He is a great puncher, he’s a great warrior. He knows what he has to do when he gets tagged,” said Ugas, who used his looping right hand and stiff jabs to keep Pacquiao at bay.

Aware of Pacquiao’s caliber, Ugas said he’s just looking for the win that would enhance his boxing legacy.

The 35-year-old Ugas has won 12 of his last 13 fights under trainer Ismael Salas, the lone loss coming off a disputed decision to Shawn Porter in 2019.

Despite the short 11-day notice, Ugas said he never doubted his chances as he has always been a warrior since he was six.

“I felt it coming and it happened,” said Ugas. – Rappler.com