‘Pacquiao has lost KO punch’

LAS VEGAS – The Cuban camp insisted Wednesday that Manny Pacquiao no longer has the power to knock people out inside the ring.

They have the record books to prove their point.

“Looking back it’s been a long time he (Pacquiao) KOed people,” said Ismael Salas, who trains Yordenis Ugas.

Salas threw praises at the hard-hitting Filipino, saying he’s a legend and huge inspiration to aspiring boxers.

“So much respect,” he said Wednesday.

But again, Salas believes that Pacquiao has lost that knockout punch that has felled 39 of his 62 victims.

“He’s been dropping people but never KO for a long time,” added Ugas’ chief trainer.

Well, data don’t lie, and boxrec.com shows that Pacquiao has scored only one stoppage since beating Miguel Cotto in 2009.

Lucas Matthysse of Argentina was the last to fall, being knocked out by Pacquiao in the seventh round at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

In July of 2019, Pacquiao floored Keith Thurman with a one-two combination in the opening round but had to settle for a split decision.

Ugas, naturally, sided with his trainer.

“I’m 100 percent certain he (Pacquiao) cannot knock me out.  With me hitting my stride I don’t think he can knock me out,” said Ugas.