Errol Spence Jr. speaks with the media following his press conference with Manny Pacquiao on July 11, 2021 in Los Angeles. Spence withdrew from the bout, citing an eye injury. Getty Images/AFP

Unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. withdrew from the  scheduled August 21 title fight against Manny Pacquiao after suffering an eye injury in training.

Instead, the Pacquiao will be facing World Boxing Association welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas, who holds the title that was taken from Pacquiao by the WBA after the fighting Senator failed to defend the title he won from Keith Thurman in 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A routine pre-fight eye exam ordered by the Nevada Athletic Commission revealed Spence has a torn retina in his left eye. He left Las Vegas on Tuesday to return home to Dallas. He will undergo surgery there and is expected to make a full recovery.

“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,” Spence said in a statement.

“I’d like to apologize to everyone. You know I’ll be back as soon back soon. We’ve come back from worse.”

In a tweet, Pacquiao wished Spence to recover.

I pray for a full and complete recovery for @ErrolSpenceJr.

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao)

In a statement, Pacquiao added that he has agreed to fight Ugas.

Regarding his condition, 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.

“I’d like to apologize to everyone. You know I’ll be back as soon back soon. We’ve come back from worse.’’

Ugas, meanwhile, said he relished the opportunity to fight Pacquiao.

“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,’’ said Ugas, who boasts a 26-4 career record with 12 knockout wins.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pacquiao, but I am coming to win this fight. I’ve been in camp working hard with my coach Ismael Salas and I know together we will come up with a masterful game plan to combat anything Manny will bring to the ring.

“I wish Errol Spence Jr. a speedy recovery and I want to ensure the fans that I will be at my best for this fight.”