Manny Pacquiao named champion in recess, Yordenis Ugas new WBA champ

Manny Pacquiao named champion in recess, Yordenis Ugas new WBA champ.

All this talk of a Manny Pacquiao vs. Ryan Garcia fight might be screeching to a halt after the WBA announced Pacquiao would no longer hold the Super Champion title and instead would be considered the “champion in recess.” Due to the change in title, WBA has promoted former champion, Yordenis Ugas.

“Thank God, my agent, my team, family and fans today is a great day for me,” Ugas said. “Thanks to the WBA for raising me to Super Champion and doing what is best for sport. Manny Pacquiao is a legend and he will always be champion, his intention was McGregor and now Ryan, but you cannot behind your history, hijack a championship. This gives fans a chance to see a great unification fight at 147 pounds. I don’t want this position for easy fights. My team has my consent for my next fight to fight Pacquiao if he wants to show who he is the true WBA champion or another of the champions for a great unification fight. I am a warrior committed to his career and to his fans, who have fought and earned every penny and every opportunity. Thank you all and I can’t wait to announce what’s next. I am grateful and very excited.”

Pacquiao hasn’t fought since 2019 and was rumored to be chasing a fight with UFC fighter, Conor McGregor. Ugas (26-4, 12 KO) was seen last defeating Abel Ramos in September.