Pacquiao vs. Algieri: Predictions and Odds for Championship Fight
Any time Manny Pacquiao enters the ring, it is bound to make headlines, regardless of the opponent. On Saturday, he will be tested by a relatively unknown, but dangerous and underrated challenger in Chris Algieri.
Here is a look at all the essential information for the bout between the WBO welterweight champion Pacquiao and the current WBO light welterweight champion Algieri.
Fight Overview
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Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Macau, China
Odds: Manny Pacquiao -795, Chris Algieri +630 (via Odds Shark, as of Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET)
Where They’ve Been
Rumors of Pacquiao’s demise were running rampant after two straight losses in fights against Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. While the Bradley loss was controversial, Pac-Man was completely destroyed in the knockout defeat by Marquez.
All Pacquiao has done since then is avenge his loss to Bradley in a convincing victory in the rematch and defeat Brandon Rios by unanimous decision. The Rios fight was about as one-sided as you can ask for in a bout that doesn’t end in knockout, which is exactly what Pac-Man needed after two stunning losses.
It is worth noting that Pacquiao hasn’t registered a knockout since 2009, though. He may not boast that devastating power and speed combination that he did in his prime, but he is still capable of being a technical wizard who can unleash a rapid flurry of punches at a moment’s notice.
As for Algieri, he was a kickboxer earlier in his career and is still undefeated, but he didn’t land on many people’s radars until he upset Ruslan Provodnikov in his last fight.
What made that win even more impressive was the fact that Algieri was knocked down twice in the early going and overcame adversity with an eye that was swollen shut.
What Could be Next
Like it or not, Floyd Mayweather is the dominating presence in boxing that hovers over any fight that Pacquiao is involved in.
The only chance boxing fans have at ever seeing that constantly debated bout is if Pac-Man defeats Algieri. It would help if Pacquiao left little doubt on Saturday and appeared to be close to the boxer who used to simply overwhelm his opponents in his prime.
Pac-Man recently added some more spice to the potential matchup in comments, via Gareth A Davies of The Telegraph: “I'll never be frustrated if the Floyd fight doesn’t happen. Though I'm ready to fight him anytime, anywhere - it's him who refuses. I’ve made it clear that I want to fight him - it’s up to him now.”
Ironically, if Algieri pulls another upset on Saturday, he could be the one entering the ring opposite of Mayweather in the near future. He has plenty of momentum on his side after stunning Provodnikov, and a win over one of this generation’s greatest fighters would help the hype reach a fever pitch.
It only seems natural that a crack at Mayweather would come next.
Prediction
In terms of the actual fight, Algieri holds a five-inch reach advantage and a 3.5-inch height advantage over Pacquiao that will give the eight-time champion trouble. Algieri will look to control the tempo with his signature jab and keep Pac-Man at bay with his physical advantages.
Throw in notable speed and athleticism, and Pacquiao should not overlook this dangerous opponent.
Ryan Songalia of Ring Magazine would likely agree:
However, Pacquiao has a vast experience edge, and Algieri has not fought on this big of a stage yet in his career. What’s more, Algieri is something of a slow starter, which was perfectly clear in the Provodnikov fight, and doesn’t possess a lot of power to make Pacquiao pay for any mistakes.
Pacquiao will be aggressive early and pounce on Algieri’s tendency to start slow, which will set the tone for the entire fight. While Algieri brings impressive stamina to the table, dealing with Pacquiao for an entire 12 rounds is physically taxing, especially if he falls behind early.
Algieri is certainly an up-and-comer in the boxing world, but he is not quite on Pacquiao’s level yet. This will be close, but the eight-time champion will prevail.
Prediction: Pac-Man wins by decision
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