Ankara, 22 August 2021 (Anadolu News/The manila Times)

Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas on Saturday retained the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title, over a victory against boxing great Manny Pacquiao.

WBA said on Twitter that Ugas, 35, defeated 42-year-old Pacquiao of the Philippines via unanimous decision in the 12-round fight in Las Vegas to hold the welterweight belt.

The final scorecards read 115-113, 116-112, and 116-112 for Ugas. Ugas joined 31 total fights to have a 27-4 win/loss record.

Meanwhile, his opponent Pacquiao won 62 fights in his career. Pacquiao had eight losses and drew twice as well.

Ugas said, “I’m very excited, but most of all, I want to thank Manny Pacquiao for giving me this moment in this ring today,” said Ugas. “Now the plan is to unify the title at welterweight. Errol Spence, is the next one on the list. I am praying that he recuperates.”

Ugas, a bronze medalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, stepped in as a late replacement to World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion, who pulled out 12 days before the fight following a retinal tear in his left eye.