The boxing schedule in 2021 is simply never set in stone. Manny Pacquiao was scheduled to face Errol Spence Jr. on Saturday in one of boxing's most anticipated fights of the year, but Spence suffered an eye injury and was replaced by WBA "super" welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas (Saturday, 9 p.m. ET on PPV).
Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs), 35, of Cuba, is a very good counterpuncher with a great uppercut to the body, which he throws with both hands. However, he lacks the ability to corner his opponents, something he would need to do to have his best chance against Pacquiao.
Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), 42, of the Philippines, is boxing's only eight-division champion. He's attempting to win a record-setting fifth welterweight title in his career. Since losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, he's 5-1, with the only blemish being a controversial decision loss to Jeff Horn in Australia in 2017.
Pacquiao looked like vintage Manny when he defeated Keith Thurman in his most recent fight in July 2019. He dropped Thurman in Round 1 en route to a split-decision victory that was wider than the judges' scorecards reflected.
Ugas has won three consecutive fights since losing a close decision to Shawn Porter in 2019, a fight many thought he won. Last September he defeated Abel Ramos to win a secondary welterweight title.
Can Ugas box his way to a victory over one of the best fighters of his generation? Can Pacquiao beat Father Time once again and continue building on his legacy?
We asked boxing analysts and former opponents for their take on the fight and their predictions.
Editor's note: Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.