Pacquiao vs. Algieri: Vital Viewing Information and Early Predictions

When Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2) squares off against Chris Algieri (20-0) on November 22 at The Venetian Macao in Macau, China, the boxing world will be focused on the battle between a wily veteran and an unproven, up-and-coming fighter.

Pacquiao is coming off back-to-back wins, but he is still dealing with the backlash associated with his two straight losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012. On the other hand, Algieri has won all 20 of his professional fights, including the biggest victory of his career against Ruslan Provodnikov in his last bout.

Here is all the vital viewing information and early predictions for Pacquiao vs. Algieri.

Where: The Venetian Macao, Macau, China

When: Saturday, November 22

Start Time: 7 p.m. ET

Watch: Pay-Per-View (local service providers)

Breaking Down Pacquiao vs. Algieri

The battle between Pacquiao and Algieri may not have the same mainstream appeal as many of the other Pacquiao fights, but this could easily be a tough test for the veteran fighter. If Pac-Man doesn’t take Algieri seriously, this bout could end in shocking fashion.

Luckily for Pacquiao fans, the fighter looks to be more ready than ever to take on the challenge.

For Pacquiao, the key to victory will be using his power and speed to accumulate damage over the course of all 12 rounds. Not only does the damage Pac-Man inflicts help the judges score rounds in favor of the veteran, but it also sets the stage for late-round flurries of punches that can knock fighters out.

Unfortunately for Pacquiao, he does not possess the same power and speed he once did. There is no question he is still one of the fastest and strongest fighters in the welterweight division, but he doesn’t possess the same skill he did when he was younger.

No fighter can beat Father Time.

When asked about the fight between Pacquiao and Algieri, fellow fighter Amir Khan broke down the matchup and Pacquiao’s issues for Nick Parkinson of ESPN UK:

"

In his last four fights, Brandon Rios was made for Pacquiao and the Tim Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez fights took a lot out of him. He's getting older - he's 35 - and he's got a lot of distractions in his life now. He's staying in the Philippines to train now and you can see people are pulling him here, there and everywhere. He's also getting into politics.

I still favour more towards Manny and I think it will go the distance, but Algieri might surprise a few people with his performance.

"

Algieri is a taller fighter who uses his reach advantage and defensive ability to keep himself in fights. He doesn’t possess elite knockout power, but his dangerous jab and ability to avoid taking too many punches will have him frustrating Pacquiao.

There is no question that Pacquiao should be the favorite in this matchup, but Algieri has the ability to stay in every bout while earning points with the judges. With Algieri understanding that a knockout victory is unlikely, he will be trying to win each round individually and earn a decision.

The power of Pac-Man is still present, and it will be the ultimate downfall of Algieri. As much as the American fighter has prepared, he will not be ready for the strength behind Pacquiao’s punches and the quickness they will come.

If it wasn’t for Algieri’s defensive ability, the stage would be set for a knockout. As it stands right now, though, Pacquiao will likely earn the victory via unanimous decision.

Predicted Winner: Pacquiao via Unanimous Decision

*Stats via BoxRec.com.