Is Errol Spence Jr OK? Boxer forced to withdraw from Manny Pacquiao superfight
Current IBF and WBC welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr withdrew from his fight with Manny Pacquiao after tearing the retina in his left eye. Premier Boxing Champions announced the news on Tuesday, August 10. "Spence discovered that he had a torn retina during a pre-fight medical examination by the NV State Athletic Commission in Las Vegas on Monday. He flew back home to Dallas, TX on Tuesday and will have surgery to repair the tear on Wednesday," the statement read.
The fight between Errol Spence Jr and Manny Pacquiao was supposed to happen later this month. Pacquiao will now face Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight title. It is still unclear as to what caused Spence's injury. This fight marks Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring after two years. Pacquiao's last fight was with Keith Thurman in July 2019 where he defeated him to win the WBA welterweight title.
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Spence discovered that he had a torn retina during a pre-fight medical examination by the NV State Athletic Commission in Las Vegas on Monday. He flew back home to Dallas, TX on Tuesday and will have surgery to repair the tear on Wednesday.
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) August 10, 2021
With a professional record of 27-0, Spence is yet to be defeated. Speaking of his setback, Spence said, "I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could fight with my eye in that condition." His opponent, Manny Pacquiao wished for his 'speedy recovery' and tweeted, "I pray for a full and complete recovery for @ErrolSpenceJr."
I pray for a full and complete recovery for @ErrolSpenceJr.
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) August 10, 2021
Manny Pacquiao's new opponent, Yordenis Ugas, 35 last fought in September 2020 when he won the then-vacant WBA welterweight title, defeating Abel Ramos. It is important to note here that Ugas has not lost a fight since March 2019. The fight is scheduled for August 21 at 9 pm ET at T-Mobile Arena and will be broadcast on Fox Sports. Speaking of the new development, Ugás said in a statement, "It’s an honor to fight the great multiple division world champion, Manny Pacquiao, as I am more than ready to take on this challenge. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight."
