Barrios Reflects On Pacquiao Fight Criticism: "Very Surprised" It's Happening

James

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Post on Jul 18, 2025

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Barrios Reflects on Pacquiao Fight Criticism: "Very Surprised" by the Backlash

Controversial win sparks unexpected criticism for Yordenis Ugas

Yordenis Ugas, the WBA welterweight champion, expressed his surprise and disappointment at the wave of criticism surrounding his victory against Manny Pacquiao in August 2021. The fight, which saw Ugas secure a unanimous decision victory, has been the subject of considerable debate, with many questioning the judging and accusing Ugas of a less-than-spectacular performance against the legendary Filipino boxer. In a recent interview, Ugas addressed these criticisms head-on, stating, "I'm very surprised by the reaction. I fought my fight, and the judges saw it my way."

The unexpected backlash highlights the immense legacy and global fanbase of Manny Pacquiao. His retirement from boxing following the loss only amplified the scrutiny surrounding the bout. While some fans accepted the result, many felt the judges' scorecards didn't accurately reflect the action in the ring, leading to accusations of bias and even calls for a rematch, despite Pacquiao's subsequent retirement.

<h3>Ugas's Perspective on the Fight and the Criticism</h3>

Ugas maintains that he fought a strategically sound fight, focusing on his strengths and neutralizing Pacquiao's legendary power. He highlights his consistent pressure and effective counter-punching as key factors in his victory. "I knew going in it would be a tough fight," he stated, "Pacquiao is a legend, but I prepared meticulously, and I executed my game plan."

The criticism, he suggests, stems from a pre-conceived notion of what the fight should have been, rather than an objective assessment of what actually transpired. "People wanted a knockout," Ugas admitted, "but boxing is about more than just knockouts. It's about strategy, points, and control of the ring."

He also acknowledged the emotional weight of fighting a boxing icon: "Fighting Pacquiao was a huge honor. He's a legend, an inspiration to millions. But at the end of the day, it was still a boxing match, and I went in there to win."

<h3>Analyzing the Aftermath: The Role of Expectations and Legacy</h3>

The intense criticism surrounding the Ugas-Pacquiao fight underscores the powerful impact of legacy and expectation in the sport. Pacquiao's remarkable career built an immense global following, creating a level of anticipation rarely seen in boxing. This, in turn, fueled a higher threshold for acceptable outcomes for many fans. Any deviation from the expected narrative – in this case, a Pacquiao victory – was met with significant resistance.

This situation highlights the complexities of judging in boxing and the inherent subjectivity involved. What one judge perceives as a dominant performance, another might see as a closely contested battle. The Ugas-Pacquiao fight serves as a potent reminder that judging in combat sports is often a matter of opinion, often leading to controversial outcomes.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Ugas's Future and the Legacy of the Fight</h3>

Despite the criticism, Ugas remains focused on his career. He is currently preparing for his next challenge, aiming to continue his reign as WBA champion. The Pacquiao fight, despite the controversy, remains a significant milestone in his career, placing him firmly in the conversation among the top welterweights in the world.

The legacy of the fight will likely continue to be debated for years to come. But for Ugas, the focus remains on the future, proving his worth and solidifying his position within the elite echelon of boxing. His response to the criticism reflects a fighter committed to his craft and unfazed by the opinions of critics. He’s ready to continue his journey, proving his worth in the ring, one fight at a time.