- *MITCH M. LIPA
Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo believes the Pacquiao-Ugas fight for the WBA super welterweight title should have ended in a draw.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, however, said Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas pulled off a convincing win against Manny Pacquiao and the boxing senator should consider hanging his gloves.
Panelo, who was in Bacolod City during the weekend, said Pacquiao fought aggressively in all 12 rounds of the match and that his fighting form is still there.
“Ugas has the height advantage but it was a close fight,” Panelo said, adding that Pacquiao still has the power and passion for boxing and should continue his career in boxing.
Lacson, on the other hand, pointed out that even the Team Pacquiao admitted that the senator was not 100 percent during the fight.
“The situation reminded me of boxer Roberto Duran, who was once a very popular boxer and was also called the People’s champ. He continued to fight until his later age,” Lacson said.
The governor said that if Pacquiao decides to continue boxing, he can win a gold medal for the country in the 2024 Olympics, where boxers fight for only three rounds. Pacquiao is turning 43 years old in December.
Regardless of Pacquiao’s decision, Lacson said the senator has fought many good fights and will always be the People’s Champ for Filipinos. — MML
