Manny Pacquiao blamed leg cramps for his defeat to Yordenis Ugas on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
The 42-year-old Filipino had been expected to beat the 35-year-old Cuban fighter but was decisively outpointed over the course of 12 rounds.
While many observers were worried about an injury to Ugas’ left bicep before the fight had even started, it was Pacquiao who physically struggled.
“Actually, I know his style,” Pacquiao explained, reported Boxing Scene. “But the thing is, I want to do my plan, but my plans in the ring – I have a lot of techniques for his style. But the thing is, but I’m not saying that this is my excuse, but no, you know, my two legs is cramping. I cannot move. That’s why I can’t move around. I can, in early days I can easily move and out-box him. You know Manny Pacquiao.
“But this time around, it’s like my two legs is tight and hurting me in [the] second round, until 12 rounds. But I’m not making excuses. That’s the reason why I cannot move and I just staying countering him, of his punches. That’s what happened, so that’s boxing. I mean, I’ve done a lot in boxing and I’m happy that we’re safe.”
Pacquiao had not boxed for a couple of years since his win over Keith Thurman, and had planned to take on Errol Spence Jr until the 31-year-old had to withdraw to undergo eye surgery.
He was unsure about the root cause of his problems, given the extent of his fitness work leading up to the fight.
“I don’t know because I think too much hard work [in the gym] training,” Pacquiao said.
“I run in the mountain, and then also doing 32 runs every day. So, I don’t know. But, well, we’re not young anymore.”