Who wins Manny Pacquiao-Chris Algieri?
Chris Algieri claims to have visualized a victory over Manny Pacquiao in advance of Saturday’s 144-pound catchweight bout for Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight belt in Macau, China, site of Pacquiao’s unanimous decision over Brandon Rios last November.
Standing 5-foot-11 to 5-foot-6.5 for his rival, Algieri (20-0, 8 knockouts) claims his “jab, range, timing and rhythm” will dethrone Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs), who represents the eighth southpaw he will have faced.
A rising WBO 140-pound beltholder, Algieri, 30, was an underdog in his last bout in June, when he overcame two first-round knockdowns as well as a right eye that was nearly closed shut for a dramatic split decision victory that dethroned Ruslan Provodnikov for his title.
Pacquiao, 35, was last in action in April when he dethroned Tim Bradley by unanimous decision to regain the belt he lost by split decision in their first meeting in June 2012. Pacquiao is 2-2 in his past four fights, including a loss by sixth-round stoppage against Juan Manuel Marquez in December 2012.
Pacquiao has hinted that his goal is to one day face Floyd Mayweather Jr. before he retires but that fight won’t materialize unless he convincingly defeats Algieri.
The results of the RingTV.com poll taken from 30 insiders regarding Pacquiao-Algieri are as follows.
Manny Pacquiao TKO 9 Chris Algieri: They say that styles make fights. And in the case of Chris Algieri, his substantial advantages in height and reach should provide Manny Pacquiao with an interesting stylistic challenge.
But as much as styles make fights, typically it’s talent that wins them. And despite the heart shown by Algieri in his debated victory over Ruslan Provodnikov in June, he simply isn’t on Pacquiao’s level.
Algieri will likely be plenty brave but Pacquiao will slowly pick him apart with clean combinations until Algieri’s corner rescues him. Expect Pacquiao to break his five-year knockout drought.
Record: 0-0
Steve Carp, Las Vegas Review Journal
Manny Pacquiao by TKO Chris Algieri: Even though it appears Manny Pacquiao is looking past Chris Algieri in the hopes of finally luring Floyd Mayweather Jr. into the ring, he’s not going to risk that possibility by losing this fight. I expect Pacquiao to attack Algieri right away and stay on top of him to the point where the referee will have to step in and stop it.
Record: 2-0 [Last pick: Floyd Mayweather UD 12 Marcos Maidana]
Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press
Manny Pacquiao W 12 Chris Algieri: I like Manny Pacquiao by decision in what should be a competitive fight early but one Pacquiao will dominate late.
Chris Algieri is a good story but Manny has been in the ring way too long not to be able to make adjustments and win rounds. I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if Pacquiao rises to the occasion with his first KO in five years.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Mayweather UD 12 Maidana]
Stephen Donatelli, guest/fan, Pittsburgh, PA.
Manny Pacquiao TKO 9 Chris Algieri: The self-proclaimed “King Of New York” Chris Algieri at this point is still somewhat of an enigma. A fresh face on the big-time boxing scene, Algieri’s last victory was over the substantial favorite Ruslan Provodnikov. Algieri showed an effective stick-and-move style parlayed with sustained patience.
Algieri survived two first-round knockdowns during a split decision victory over Provodnikov that had followed a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Taylor. Algieri has a four-inch advantage in height and five inches in reach over Manny Pacquiao, who rejuvenated himself with a unanimous decision in his rematch over Tim Bradley.
The first few rounds of Pacquiao-Algieri might be competitive before Algieri becomes befuddled, as have many of Pacquiao’s opponents, against his rapid-fire hand speed. Pacquiao has not stopped an opponent since Miguel Cotto in 2009. Although Algieri will attempt to employ his range and snappy jab, Pacquiao will chop him down with crippling body shots.
Record: 0-0
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: I don’t see the weight being a factor. Chris Algieri specializes in conditioning and won’t foolishly add weight, not to mention that it’s only four pounds.
At the same time, I’m not sure he brings enough to the table to pull off the upset here. Pacquiao is on the downside but still great enough to find a way to win comfortably here.
Record: 23-7 [Last pick: Wladimir Klitschko UD 12 Kubrat Pulev]
Norm Frauenheim, THE RING magazine, www.15rounds.com
Manny Pacquiao TKO 10 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri has advantages in reach, height and salesmanship. Those three elements have transformed him into that proverbial guy with a chance. It’s why he’s called “The Real Rocky.”
But there is no “Real Rocky.” It’s always been a film fantasy. Algieri’s evident smarts and proven toughness might make Pacquiao uncomfortable for a while. With each successive round, however, it will get tougher to elude the angles that augment Pacquiao’s power.
Algieri doesn’t have enough of his own power to hurt the Filipino or keep him off, especially in the late going when Pacquiao figures to find the angle and punch that will bring about an end to a bout with no sequel.
Record: 25-8 [Last pick: Klitschko UD 12 Pulev]
Jeffrey Freeman, www.KODigest.TV
Manny Pacquiao TKO 7 Chris Algieri: Critics claim that Manny Pacquiao lost his killer instinct when he was tamed by Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012 and maybe that’s true.
But against a one-trick pony like Chris Algieri, it won’t matter. What will matter is speedy volume punching from unconventional angles. That’s what Pacquiao will bring to bear on the overmatched Long Islander in Macau, China.
Of course, Algieri will try to box and move and use his size advantages. He’ll look like “Golden Boy” Donny Lalonde trying to beat Sugar Ray Leonard but without the punching power to win the fight or stave off the inevitable.
When Pacquiao cuts off the ring better than Ruslan Provodnikov could against Algieri, he’ll quickly cut the ambitious challenger down to size.
Record: 20-12 [Last pick: Klitschko UD 12 Pulev]
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri will give Manny Pacquiao fits with his length and boxing ability but Pacquiao’s speed and craftiness will find a way to pull it out.
Record: 5-1 [Last pick: Mayweather UD 12 Maidana]
Manny Pacquiao TKO 8 Chris Algieri: Despite Chris Algieri turning in one of the bravest and most disciplined performances I’ve seen in years against Ruslan Provodnikov, my feeling is that Manny Pacquiao trumps him in almost every facet of the game.
I think Pacquiao has a lot more left in the tank than a lot of people realize and he looked sharp in his rematch with Tim Bradley. Algieri can’t hurt the Filipino legend.
I think he’ll be flustered by the speed and tenacity of Pacquiao, who still possesses a remarkable engine. Pacquiao cuts, drops and stops his man before the championship rounds commence.
Record: 24-9 [Last pick: Klitschko TKO 10 Pulev]
Manny Pacquiao W 12 Chris Algieri: I see danger here for Manny Pacquiao because Chris Algieri is smart enough to be who he is – a mobile, volume-punching boxer – and not deviate from what he does best. Algieri is focused, well-conditioned and knows that scoring more points is the one and only objective.
I would not be surprised at all if Algieri comes away with the decision. But the three factors that prevent me from pulling the upset trigger are (1) Pacquiao’s vast gulf in world-class experience, (2) Algieri’s ability to hit Pacquiao hard enough to earn his respect and (3) Pacquiao’s home region advantage. Also, truly great fighters find a way to win and though Pacquiao will be pushed, he’ll come away with the points win.
Record: 16-5 [Last pick: Sergey Kovalev W 12 Bernard Hopkins]
Andreas Hale, KnockoutNation.com
Manny Pacquiao TKO 9 Chris Algieri: As the months have progressed since this fight was announced, more and more people are finding ways that Chris Algieri can pull off the upset. Call it good promotion or whatever you want but I will not be falling for such tricks.
Algieri has never been on a stage quite this large and, dare I say, Ruslan Provodnikov was slightly overrated heading into the fight with Algieri. That’s not to take anything away from the Long Islander’s win but let’s call a spade a spade.
The fact of the matter is that Algieri has never seen a fighter with the speed and power of Manny Pacquiao. Some point to Algieri’s height but Antonio Margarito was just as tall. Others say that Algieri’s slick boxing will cause Pacquiao a problem.
But you have to hurt Pacquiao to keep him off of you. I sense that Algieri will realize early on that he’s in over his head as Pacquiao darts in and out of range and gives him a nasty drubbing that will end the fight late.
Record: 20-8 [Last pick: Klitschko TKO 9 Pulev]
Keith Idec, The Record/BoxingScene.com
Manny Pacquiao KO 9 Chris Algieri: Though bigger, athletic and smart, Chris Algieri eventually will succumb to Manny Pacquiao’s pressure later in the fight.
Trainer Freddie Roach will push Pacquiao to be aggressive against Algieri because Pacquiao desperately needs a knockout and Roach isn’t overly concerned with what Algieri can fire back in Pacquiao’s direction.
The last thing Pacquiao can afford is to go 12 rounds with a light-punching opponent widely viewed as a huge underdog. Look for him to act accordingly.
Record: 12-6 [Last pick: Klitschko UD 12 Pulev]
Gordon Marino, Wall Street Journal
Manny Pacquiao KO 6 Chris Algieri: I am picking Manny Pacquiao by a knockout in rounds six to eight. I think Pacquiao’s flashdance footwork will enable him to pressure Chris Algeiri with relatively little risk. The “Pac-Man” is most vulnerable to a right hand but that is not one of Algieri’s best weapons.
Algieri is going to get driven to the ropes and when he is on the ropes, he squares up and is not only and easy target but loses his power. Pacquiao will find the angles and stop him with his thunderous left hand and right hook.
Record: 3-0 [Last pick: Kovalev UD 12 Hopkins]
Rich Marotta, KFI Radio, Los Angeles
Manny Pacquiao TKO 10 Chris Algieri: This should be a very interesting fight between one of the greatest fighters of his generation and an up-and-comer who is talented, spirited and gutsy. Chris Algieri put in a great training camp and should be at his best.
The fight will evolve in just the opposite fashion that Algieri’s bout with Ruslan Provodnikov did. In that bout, Algieri was dropped twice early, got his eye battered and somehow showed the resolve as well as correct strategy of jabbing and moving to get the decision.
I look for Algieri’s ranginess and movement to trouble Manny Pacquiao early. It will take Pacquiao a few rounds to figure him out. But once that is accomplished, Pacquiao should come on.
Pacquiao will punch from angles and with speed that Algieri has not had to deal with in his career. I suspect it will be too much, that Pacquiao will eventually break him down and come from behind to stop Algieri late.
Record: 21-10 [Last pick: Hopkins W 12 Kovalev]
Manny Pacquiao W 12 Chris Algieri: It won’t be easy – which Manny Pacquiao victory has really been easy lately anyway? – but Manny will get the job done. Chris Algieri comes from a very close decision against a shorter and aggressive foe who was much in the Pacquiao mold in his title-winning effort against Ruslan Provodnikov last June.
But against Pacquiao, Algieri will need all the distance that his long jab can establish and all the movement his legs can give him just to stay away from Pacquiao’s terrific outbursts. And even so, his decent punch rate will not be enough to impress the judges when compared to Manny’s punishing combinations.
Record: 11-8 [Last pick: Pulev W 12 Klitschko]
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: Expect WBO welterweight titleholder Manny Pacquiao, having got himself back into shape and form with his victory over previously-unbeaten Tim Bradley, to make a successful, relatively trouble-free defense against American Chris Algieri.
There is way too much at stake for the seemingly rejuvenated superstar to take his foot off the throttle just now. Of course, to write off the chances of the undefeated Algieri is a tad harsh and possibly premature, given his remarkable performance last time out while taking the WBO junior welterweight belt off Ruslan Provodnikov.
However, that massive upset will surely serve as the perfect warning for Pacquiao not to take the New Yorker lightly. If he doesn’t stop him late on, Pacquiao wins by unanimous decision.
Record: 3-2 [Last pick: Carl Froch KO 8 George Groves]
John J. Raspanti, MaxBoxing.com/Doghouseboxing.com/KO Monthly Magazine
Manny Pacquiao W 12 Chris Algieri: The last time I checked, Manny Pacquiao was roughly a 10-1 favorite to defeat Chris Algieri this Saturday night in Macau, China. I’m favoring Pacquiao as well but not as much as the oddsmakers.
Pacquiao brings speed, experience and punching-power into the contest. He’s an eight-division champion who is comfortable appearing on the big stage.
Algieri is younger, taller and focused. He wasn’t expected to beat Ruslan Provodnikov a few months ago. His surprise victory earned him a shot against Pacquiao. I see Algieri doing pretty well in the opening rounds.
He’ll keep Pacquiao on the end of his long jab but eventually the Filipino congressman will catch him with quick combinations. A stoppage is possible but I think it’s more likely that Pacquiao will punch his way to a 12-round unanimous decision.
Record: 23-10 [Last pick: Klitschko TKO 10 Pulev]
Matt Richardson, Fightnews.com
Manny Pacquiao W 12 Chris Algieri: I thought Chris Algieri lost to Ruslan Provodnikov and I thought he looked pretty lousy against Mike Arnaoutis two fights before.
So, logically, someone who struggled with Arnaoutis and lost to Provodnikov will not beat the great Manny Pacquiao, even this older, less great version.
Algieri has an inspiring story and he will be the fighter of the year if he wins legitimately but that won’t happen. He’s a “Class B” fighter boxing an all-time great. Unless “Pac-Man” is totally and completely finished, he should win with ease.
Record: 21-8 [Last pick: Klitschko W 12 Pulev]
Manny Pacquiao W 12 Chris Algieri: This could be like the Chris Algieri-Ruslan Provodnikov fight in spots with Algieri moving a lot. Where it will be different is that Pacquiao’s footwork is much better than Provodnikov’s and he’ll close the gap more often.
Provodnikov probably should have received the nod earlier this year based on impactful punches landed. The quicker, more skilled Pacquiao should eliminate room for doubt in the scoring.
Record: 21-11 [Last pick: Klitschko W 12 Pulev]
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: Trainer Freddie Roach saw firsthand how Chris Algieri outboxed Ruslan Provodnikov during Algieri’s upset win in June.
Despite being knocked down twice in the first round, Algieri easily countered the Russian fighter, who came forward. Algieri will have the height and reach advantage that could give Manny Pacquiao some problems early on in the fight.
But Pacquiao will use side-to-side movement to cut off the ring and force Algieri to engage. Pacquiao could score a knockdown on the way to winning a unanimous decision.
Record: 7-2 [Last pick: Wladimir Klitschko TKO 11 Kubrat Pulev]
Abel Sanchez, trainer of WBA 160-pound titleholder Gennady Golovkin
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri is tough and durable but not skilled enough to compete on this level with Manny Pacquiao. I see Pacquiao winning a unanimous decision or by late stoppage.
Record: 7-5 [Last pick: Klitschko UD 12 Pulev]
Joseph Santoliquito/THE RING Magazine/RingTV.com/CBS Sports
Manny Pacquiao KO 10 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri wants to one day go to medical school. Manny Pacquiao will hasten the process. Algieri is game.
Anyone who steps into the ring with someone like Pacquiao is gutsy. Whether or not Algieri has the skills to defeat someone like Pacquiao is another story.
A great underdog tale will come to a painful, blunt end. Algieri doesn’t have the punching power to keep Pacquiao off of him. “Pac-Man” wins with a late-round stoppage on cuts.
Record: 15-0 [Last pick: Klitschko KO 7 Pulev]
Manny Pacquiao W 12 Chris Algieri: I like Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao by a decision. I really, really like Chris Algieri. I think, based on his last fight, Algieri is a very live underdog. But Pac is still Pac and I have got to go with the smart money on this one.
Record: 15-9 [Last pick: Klitschko UD 12 Pulev]
Rob Soucy, ProBoxingInsider.com
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: Manny Pacquiao has not stopped a fighter in a long time and I don’t think that streak will come to an end Saturday night. I think Chris Algieri is going to be very competitive because of his height and length advantage.
If Algieri can use his jab to keep Pacquiao off balance, he will be able to win some rounds. Pacquiao figures to have an advantage in hand speed and is the much bigger puncher.
Provodnikov has heavier hands than Pacquiao and Algieri was able to take his power well. Going into this fight, Algieri has two main problems. First of all, he can’t crack an egg.
Second, Algieri is probably down three rounds on the scorecards before the opening bell in Macau. I think Pacquiao will win by decision with he general consensus being that the fight was closer than the judges’ scorecards will read.
Record: 17-6 [Last pick: Klitschko TKO 6 Pulev]
Bradley Starks, guest/fan, Novato, Calif.
Manny Pacquiao KO 4 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri is a very likable kid and he scored the biggest win of his career over Ruslan Provodnikov earlier this year. But let’s not gloss things over too much.
Provo is a very limited one-trick pony. He’s like the Russian version of Ricardo Mayorga but much more predictable in how he fights. Manny Pacquiao has about the same number of title fights as Algieri’s entire resume and there’s nothing he hasn’t seen nor faced in an opponent.
“Pac-Man” is like a hummingbird armed with laser beams and once he figures out how to get inside Algieri’s reach at will, the KO he and Freddie Roach are looking for should materialize.
Record: 12-2 [Last pick: Klitschko KO 7 Pulev]
Tim Starks, The Queensberry Rules
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: Until very recently, Chris Algieri was untested and underestimated. But this year, he proved he could contend with top fighters by at least keeping things close with Ruslan Provodnikov, no matter the dispute over scoring.
Algieri also proved that he could do so while operating with the liability of one eye slammed shut. Plus, Algieri’s stick-and-move style is one that other fighters have troubled Manny Pacquiao with before.
Against Provodnikov, though, Algieri seized upon a particularly favorable style match-up insofar as it’s ever favorable to get into the ring with Provodnikov anyway. The difficulty that the relatively plodding Provodnikov had tracking down Algieri?
Pacquiao won’t have that problem. And whatever people think of Provodnikov’s chances against Pacquiao were they to fight for money, Algieri is making a bigger leap in class from Provodnikov to Pacquiao than he did when he stepped up against Provodnikov himself.
Since rocketing to fame in 2008, this is Pacquiao’s least qualified and least dangerous opponent outside of perhaps a faded Shane Mosley. Pacquiao will beat up Algieri and might even stop him early.
But Algieri will have his moments and has shown enough toughness to get the benefit of the doubt that he can be on his feet by the time the final bell rings.
Record: 0-0
Manny Pacquiao UD 12 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri is skilled, smart and hungry but I think it’s safe to say he has never faced anyone with the combination of quickness, speed, footwork and power that Manny Pacquiao still possesses at 35.
“Pac-Man” has retained most of the skills that have made him an eight-division champ, except perhaps for his knockout power. That’s why this will go the distance. Pacquiao outworks Algieri to win unanimously.
Record: 15-5 [Last pick: Klitschko TKO 6 Pulev]
Manny Pacquiao TKO 11 Chris Algieri: I may be the minority but I am looking forward to this fight. Chris Algieri is long, jabs well, has good lateral movement and shows high intelligence in and outside of the ring.
Manny Pacquiao has fast hands and feet and can punch, despite having not scored a knockout since 2009. Algieri will box and box and box because that’s what he knows to do and does it well.
Pacquiao will have short man problems in the first four rounds, all the while investing to the body to break down Algieri before catching him against the ropes and forcing the stoppage in the 11th round.
Record: 21-8 [Last pick: Kovalev W 12 Hopkins]
Charles Villa, guest/fan, Portland, Ore.
Manny Pacquiao TKO 8 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri is a tall fighter with an excellent jab, quick feet and quality wins over the likes of Emmanuel Taylor and Ruslan Provodnikov.
As we saw with his fight against Provodnikov, the kid is definitely tough and able to adjust on the fly. Some people would see that win as controversial, arguing that jabbing for 12 rounds hardly qualifies as a win.
But nonetheless, Algieri was able to frustrate Provodnikov regularly with his movement and speed and walked away the champ. Manny Pacquiao is no Ruslan Provodnikov.
Pacquiao may no longer have the destructive power that endeared him to the boxing public six years ago but he’s still one of the best five fighters on the planet.
Pacquiao doesn’t just smash his opponents; his feints and awkward angles can freeze a fighter’s offense, leaving them exposed for a quick combo from Pacquiao as he slides back out of the pocket.
Algieri’s fast but with this being his biggest fight and the lack of genuine top-tier opposition, he appears to be in over his head. Look for Pacquiao to find his way in, cutting up the young Long Islander en route to a eighth round TKO.
Record: 16-10 [Last pick: Klitschko KO 7 Pulev]
Manny Pacquiao TKO 9 Chris Algieri: Chris Algieri’s riding the crest of a wave following his gutsy win over Ruslan Provodnikov that came from nowhere. That said, for all Provodnikov is, he’s not even at this stage of the great Filipino Manny Pacquiao’s career.
I can certainly see Algieri, with his size and length, giving Pacquiao trouble. But once Pacquiao figures out the native New Yorker, I can see him forcing a stoppage in the second half of the fight.
Record: 21-9 [Last pick: Klitschko TKO 10 Pulev]
By the shutout margin of 30-0, the insiders pick Manny Pacquiao to successfully defend his WBO welterweight belt against Chris Algieri.
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