Pacquiao vs. Algieri: Breakdown and Predictions for Upcoming Title Fight
Manny Pacquiao will look to add to his legacy with a title defense against Chris Algieri on November 22, but the contender will not make things easy.
The 30-year-old boxer might be an unknown in the eyes of fans, but he has built up a 20-0 record since turning pro in 2008 and continues to impress. Even though OddsShark.com lists him as a 6-1 underdog, he has what it takes to shock the world with a win.
While Pacquiao has been one of the best boxers of his generation, he is not perfect and has hurt himself with mistakes. This could lead to an exciting battle for the WBO Welterweight Championship.
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Here is a look at what to expect from each fighter and predictions for the bout.
Manny Pacquiao
The past few years have been pretty strange for Pacquiao. After being considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world in 2011, the future Hall of Famer had a bit of a slide in 2012.
After losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, some people believed Pacquiao was done. However, wins over Brandon Rios and then Bradley in a rematch have fans remembering that he is still one of the best.
Bryan A. Graham of Mic News had this to say after the fighter's most recent win:
It is also important to remember the first Bradley contest was heavily disputed, while the Marquez knockout came after a strong start to the match. If Pacquiao had won those two bouts, we would not have any doubts about the champion's ability.
Pacquiao explained his goals to Joaquin Henson of The Philippine Star: "I’m not predicting a knockout, only that I want to win convincingly."
He added his expectations: "I expect him to run. I have to stop him from running. I know what I have to do. If I throw 1-2-3-4 combinations, I don’t think he’ll just stand to get hit. I’ll chase him down, maybe attack the body so he loses his quickness. But if he’s quick, I think I’m quicker."
It is hard to question Pacquiao's quickness based on his style throughout his career. If he can move around without putting himself in danger, he should be fine.
Chris Algieri
The lack of experience is a major factor for Algieri, as he has only been competing in the sport for six years. Before that, he spent time as a kickboxer, where he was one of the best in the world.
Of course, a bigger problem is not just his lack of time in the ring but also his lack of elite opposition. Algieri did not face anyone of note until competing against Emmanuel Taylor in February, whom he beat by unanimous decision.
This win led to a matchup against Ruslan Provodnikov in June, which Algieri won in one of the biggest upsets of the year. Of course, not everyone agreed with the decision, as Nigel Collins of ESPN pointed out:
Either way, the talented fighter remained undefeated and earned his shot against a star like Pacquiao. Although he might not have a long resume of impressive wins, no one has been able to figure him out so far.
What helps him in the ring are his intelligence and willingness to prepare long before a fight. He knows exactly what it takes to beat an opponent, and he sticks to his plan. This is a major reason his entourage believes in him.
"Chris can back it up," former trainer Robert Mauro explained to Greg Logan of Newsday. "I have no doubt those guys over at the Pacquiao camp know there's a big chance this could go bad for them. If they don't, they're really foolish."
Algieri's confidence and pure talent could be enough to create a challenge for Pacquiao.
Prediction
This will not be the one-sided bout that many are expecting. Algieri has not had a lot of experience against top opponents, but his quickness and aggressiveness will give him an opportunity to get the better of an aging Pacquiao throughout the match.
However, one major factor that will be an issue is the fight's location in Macau. Pacquiao will be a huge fan favorite, and the energy will carry over into the ring.
Additionally, Algieri has not only never left the country for a match but has never even left the state of New York. The Long Island native has only fought in his home state, with eight of his last nine bouts coming at The Paramount in his hometown of Huntington.
Going to the other side of the world could end up being a rude awakening for the inexperienced fighter.
This will provide an extra edge to Pacquiao, who should wear his opponent down with his relentless punching. He will not force a knockout, but he will stay after it until the final bell and have his hand raised.
Prediction: Pacquiao wins by unanimous decision
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