Manny Pacquiao vs Yordenis Ugas Betting Picks
- Manny Pacquiao is the -350 favorite to reclaim the WBA welterweight title from Yordenis Ugas in their August 21 boxing bout
- Pacquiao was originally slated to face WBC and IBF welterweight champ Errol Spence Jr.
- Spence was forced to pull out of the fight after suffering an eye injury
On the surface, nothing has changed. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is still fighting to claim the world welterweight title on August 21. In terms of the boxing odds, however, everything has changed.
ONE WEEK UNTIL #PacquiaoUgas! š„ pic.twitter.com/NkewelfqRV
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 14, 2021
Pacquiao was originally slated to step into the ring to face unbeaten Errol Spence Jr. The IBF and WBC world welterweight champion is 27-0. He was being listed as the -220 betting choice to defeat Pacquiao in the boxing Vegas odds. The Pac-Man was a +180 underdog in the boxing picks.
Instead, an eye injury resulting in surgery has put Spence on the shelf and WBC welterweight champ Yordenis Ugas in the opposing corner as Pacquiao's opponent. The current boxing picks show Pacquiao as the odds-on -350 chalk. Ugas is a +250 underdog.
Pacquiao and Ugas will face each other in a scheduled 12-round bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Remember to read our guide if you have any doubts about how to bet on boxing.
Pacquiao The Pick
A Pacquiao victory will still make add another measure of boxing history to the 42-year-old Filipino's legacy. It just won't carry the same gravitas as a win over the 27-0 Spence would have held.
Pacquiao was hoping to post one of the more impressive victories in the ring by a fighter in his 40s. As it stands, a win over Ugas would give Pacquiao the ninth world title belt of his career. Then again, Pacquiao's eight world titles won was already unprecedented inside the squared circle.
How in the world is Manny Pacquiao this fast at 42 years old? š¤Æ pic.twitter.com/1PJouyvaav
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) August 10, 2021
In his last bout, Pacquiao defeated Keith Thurman to win the WBA title in July of 2019. However, due to his inactivity since that fight, the WBA stripped Pacquiao's title. He'll be looking to get back what was once his from Ugas.
Even at 42, Pacquiao simply has too much class and talent for Ugas to overcome.
Ugas Used To Overcoming The Odds
Ugas is calling his title bout with Pacquiao as the most important fight of his life and he's not incorrect in that assessment. He was originally slated to defend his WBA welterweight belt against Fabian Maidana on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Spence card. However, that fight was also scrubbed due to a sparring injury suffered by Maidana.
Ugas, 35, won a bronze medal for Cuba at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He fled Cuba for the USA in 2010, launching his pro career. However, after successive losses in 2014, he hung up his gloves for two years.
Iām not a champ of this belt even though it took me 10 years of hard work to earn it. I am a champion because of the man that I am. Pride of thousands of Cubans for being a patriot and freedom fighter for my country, a blessing and pride for my family and friends. #ThankGod pic.twitter.com/9PX5g8UgFr
— Yordenis Ugas (@YordenisUgas) August 3, 2021
He's 11-1 since returning to the ring. Ugas lost to Shawn Porter in a 2019 shot at the WBC title. He earned a split decision victory over Abel Ramos in January to win the WBA title belt.
Still Hope For Pacquiao-Spence?
Is this fight more like a pro wrestling bout, just a setup to get the storyline to the main event? Certainly, the boxing odds were more intriguing when it was Spence matched up against Pacquiao. Ugas is a relatively unknown quantity.
We wish @ErrolSpenceJr a speedy recovery š
— Boxing on BT Sport š„ (@BTSportBoxing) August 10, 2021
The winner of #PacquiaoUgas is firmly in his plans šŖ pic.twitter.com/Q401ONRLhk
Spence is talking about fighting the winner and naturally, hoping that will be Pacquiao for the payday the fight would bring. However, that matchup could prove unlikely.
A Senator in his homeland, Pacquiao is planning to make a run for the Presidency in the Philippines. The election is next May. It's entirely possible that this fight with Ugas will be a farewell to Pacquaio's boxing career.
Where to Bet On Boxing?
There are a number of leading online betting sites that will provide bettors with the chance to place a wager on boxing, whether it be a moneyline or total rounds wager, a future book bet, a parlay wager, or a type of stoppage prop wager. The best bet you can make is to shop around in advance and seek out the right deal before joining one of these sportsbooks. Check out MyBookie and BetUS as examples.
The signup bonus offers that are in place at all of these recommended sites will prove advantageous to the bettor. And since you'll get a good deal wherever you go, why not check out several sites and find the ideal fit for your needs?
AUGUST 21 is going to be š„ #PacquiaoUgas pic.twitter.com/VllnMAVoNO
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 14, 2021
Do you want a risk-free first bet as a signup bonus? Perhaps you find a no deposit bonus to be enticing. Or maybe you simply like the feel of cold, hard cash in your account and you want to go for a matching first deposit bonus. Whatever option you choose, you're already a winner.
Remember that new players and returning customers are eligible for better bonuses when they deposit using Bitcoin. As well, take advantage of the betting advice offered at these sites to help newcomers acclimatize to sports betting.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the right one for you:
