Errol Spence says he’s ‘More technically sound’ than Pacquiao
Errol Spence Jr.’s quiet confidence was on display Thursday when he said he was superior in the ring to Manny Pacquiao. Spence made the comments during a conference call to hype his April 16 welterweight fight with Chris Algieri on a “PBC on NBC” card (8:30 p.m. ET) at Barclays Center. The intriguing step-up fight for Spence is the main event of a televised triple-header.
“I am a bigger and stronger fighter than Manny Pacquiao and more technically sound,” Spence said. “I think I’m a smarter fighter than Manny Pacquiao.”
Spence’s remarks were made in light of his trainer Derrick James’ claim that Spence (19-0, 16 knockouts) is more skilled than both Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan, both of whom beat Algieri. Therefore, according to his logic, Spence should have an easier time with Algieri on April 16.
Algieri (21-2, 8 KOs) said it was a mistake to compare Spence to Pacquiao, who scored six knockdowns against Algieri and won a wide decision in their 2014 fight. Pacquiao is an anomaly in the ring, the former kick-boxing champion said, with a style that can’t be reproduced, so little should be inferred by the comparison.
“He’s not like other guys,” said Algieri, a former junior welterweight titleholder. “You can’t say, ‘Well his style isn’t technically perfect. He doesn’t do what you’re supposed to do. His technique isn’t that great.’ It doesn’t matter. He’s made it work for him over how many years and how many weight classes? Look, I’ve been in the ring with guys who were bigger than Manny and hit harder than Manny but Manny is a certain kind of guy. So trying to compare Errol Spence and Manny Pacquiao stylistically or in size is apples and oranges, to say the least. So I really don’t take anything from that statement.”
Mitch Abramson is a former reporter for the New York Daily News and can be reached on Twitter at: @Mabramson13.