Pacquiao is another level above Algieri, says Roach

Ryan Songalia

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Pacquiao is another level above Algieri, says Roach
Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach predicts his fighter will knock Chris Algieri out in the first round while Pacquiao offers a subtle warning about his speed

MACAU – Manny time. For most boxing fans, it’s that moment in the arena when the lights drop, AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” hits and the highlight reel of past knockouts plays leading into the entrance of eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. 

For those who work in the business of boxing, “Manny time” has a different meaning. It’s that block of space between when Pacquiao is scheduled to appear somewhere and when he finally shows up. 

It’s during that time when his handlers often compose their best quotes, speaking their minds on the fight at hand, fights in the offing and just the general state surrounding Pacquiao.

There was lots of time to burn at the underground boxing gym at The Venetian Macau on Wednesday afternoon, November 19, as the various parties awaited the arrival of WBO welterweight titleholder Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 knockouts) for his workout ahead of his bout on Sunday, November 23 against against Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs) in Macau. 

The fight, which will be Pacquiao’s second in Macau, will be the Filipino’s third fight since he sustained back-to-back losses in 2012, while Algieri of Huntington, N.Y. will be fighting outside of his home state for the first time. 

Algieri, 30, shot to prominence earlier this year when he overcame two first round knockdowns and grotesquely swollen right eye to upset Ruslan Provodnikov by split decision and earned the WBO junior welterweight title. 

Roach, who also trained Provodnikov for that fight, was among the first to arrive at the gym after Algieri’s crew vacated the facilities around noon. He thinks Algieri will be outclassed by his fighter.

“One round,” said Roach, a six-time Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Trainer of the Year, when asked how long he thought the fight would last. “Because I don’t like him. He’s too cocky. Just his look. He can run but he can’t hide. Of course he will [run] to try to confuse him. But we’ll catch him. 

“I think Manny is going to dominate this fight. Sometimes I say knockout just to f__k with the opponent a little bit because he’s getting mad at me every day. He’s not a bad person but he’s really cocky and I think he’s in way over his head. He’s a durable guy, he has heart but I think he’s just in over his head. This level is not the same as Ruslan Provodnikov.” 

(RELATED: Chris Algieri is feeling at home in Macau)

Justin Fortune, Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach, was of the same opinion as Roach in regards to the fight’s outcome. He says that Algieri’s mental strength will be seriously tested once he gets in the ring against Pacquiao. 

“Once you get hit 100 times, once you experience that speed and power, I don’t give a shit how mentally strong you think you are, that doubt will creep into your mind,” said Fortune.  

“Manny and Freddie have a great game plan, it’s been executed on a couple of the sparring partners with great results. A couple of knockdowns with headgear and 16 ounce gloves. If he hits Algieri with those same shots, it’s over.” 

Algieri’s style of fighting involves boxing and moving, utilizing his 5-foot-10 frame to keep opponents at the end of his jab while throwing a high volume of punches to disrupt their rhythm. Roach says body punching will be part of the key to bring Algieri’s guard down and slow his legs.

About two hours after Pacquiao’s expected time of arrival, the gym doors burst open with the remainder of his entourage and all eyes fixate on Pacquiao. He affects a playful grin, like a mischievous child who knows he can bail himself out of trouble with a smile. The media quickly come back to life, circling Pacquiao as he wraps his hands.

Pacquiao’s comments are more reserved than his handlers, but he still exudes confidence with his carefully selected words.

“Nothing to worry about,” said Pacquiao, when asked if Algieri presented any dangers to him. 

“If the knockout will come, it comes. But I’m ready for the 12 rounds. I don’t want to get careless in the fight.”

(WATCH: Manny Pacquiao on Chris Algieri, predicting KOs, speed)

Algieri’s highest touted asset has been his hand and foot speed, but Pacquiao didn’t seem concerned about the speed of Algieri. 

“He believes in his speed. I believe in my speed too. Did you hear Bradley? 

“My opponent can easily say about the speed when the fight is not done yet. But on Sunday he’ll find out.” 

Pacquiao is referencing his most recent opponent Timothy Bradley, whom Pacquiao defeated earlier this year to avenge a dubious decision loss in 2012. In a video released by their mutual promoter Top Rank, Bradley said Algieri is going to “learn what fast is all about. Manny Pacquiao’s lightning fast feet, lightning reflexes, angles, he’s gonna see what that’s like.” 

After Wednesday’s light workout, Pacquiao weighed 140 pounds unofficially, a full division below the 147 pounds where he holds a title belt. The plan is eventually to drop back to junior welterweight, where he fought briefly, should he feel comfortable at the Algieri fight’s 144-pound catchweight.

He hasn’t scored a knockout in 5 years and although he isn’t the type of fighter to make predictions, Pacquiao is promising to save the mercy for church later on the Sabbath.

“After the fight,” Pacquiao said with a smile. – Rappler.com

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