Pacquiao could be reinstated as WBA 147-lb champion before Spence fight

By Boxing News - 07/04/2021 - Comments

By Chris Williams: Manny Pacquiao could be elevated to full WBA 147-lb champion in time for his fight against Errol Spence Jr on August 21st. Due to his two years of inactivity, Pacquiao was made ‘champion in recess’ by the WBA after he failed to defend their title after winning it in July 2019.

Mike Coppinger is reporting that the WBA will vote whether to reinstate Pacquiao as the 147lb champion with their organization. The WBA giving back Pacquiao his 147lb title will potentially have a huge ripple effect, negatively impacting current WBA champion Yordenis Ugas and WBO champion Terence Crawford.

After giving Pacquiao the ‘Champion in Recess’ tag, the WBA elevated Yordenis Ugas to WBA 147-lb champion, making him very happy.

Unfortunately, Ugas happiness may turn to sadness if the WBA reinstates Pacquiao as their ‘Super World’ 147-lb champion, which they’re very likely to do.

WBA’s decision could hurt Crawford

The WBA board of governors will be voting on possibly reinstating Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) as the ‘Super World’ 147-lb champion before he faces IBF/WBC welterweight champion Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) next month at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Image: Pacquiao could be reinstated as WBA 147-lb champion before Spence fight

The Ring Magazine welterweight title will also be on the line for the Pacquiao vs. Spence fight.

If the WBA elevates Pacquiao as their champion at 147 once again, Spence will have the opportunity to win the belt.

If Spence defeats Pacquiao, he’ll be a four-belt champion [IBF, WBA, WBC & Ring Magazine] at 147, putting WBO 147lb belt-holder Terence Crawford in a position of weakness when it comes to negotiating with Errol.

Spence wants to fight Crawford for the undisputed 147lb championship if he’s successful at defeating Pacquiao.

It’s a fight that Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs), his promoters at Top Rank, and the boxing world all want.

However, if Spence holds three belts, it’s going to put Crawford in a tough spot where he’ll be lucky if he can get even a 70/30 money split for a unification fight between them.

To be sure, the Spence vs. Crawford fight can still be made, but it would require that Bud take the small money. Would Crawford agree to a 75-25 or 70-30 split for a fight with Spence?  Maybe. If that’s all Crawford can get, he might be agreeable to it.

Terence should agree to any split

Spence has already made it known that he’ll be moving up to 154 if he doesn’t get the fight with Crawford. That’s why it’s a good idea that Crawford takes whatever split that is offered to him by Spence and be glad he’s getting the fight.

Image: Pacquiao could be reinstated as WBA 147-lb champion before Spence fight

If Crawford wins, he’ll make a lot more money in the rematch with Spence. That’s the way Crawford should look at the fight. He takes the small money for the first fight, and then if he wins, he’ll get a big payday in the rematch with Errol.

As for Ugas, he’ll be back to contender status without ever having gotten a chance to defend the WBA title. It’s too bad Ugas’ promoters didn’t rush a fight for him after he was elevated to WBA champion. You can argue that was a missed change on their part.

“Sources: WBA board of governors will vote on the potential reinstatement of Manny Pacquiao as welterweight champ ahead of his Aug. 21 showdown with two-belt champ Errol Spence Jr. He’s currently the champion in recess after a two-year layoff. Yordenis Ugas was elevated in his absence,” said @MikeCoppinger.