Algieri sees Pacquiao fight as springboard

MANILA, Philippines – Chris Algieri is putting himself in a must-win situation against Manny Pacquiao, stressing that coming out victorious in their November 23 fight would lead to greater things.

In a blog entry posted on thesweetscience.com, the undefeated American said there’s just too much at stake in his clash with Pacquiao.

“This is the top of the sport. The winner here goes on to make the biggest fights that are possible, not only the welterweight division, but in all of boxing,” Algieri wrote.

From an obscure fighter, the New York-based Algieri badly wants to barge into superstardom by beating Pacquiao, a boxing icon still rated as one of the best boxers in the planet. His claim to fame is a victory over heavy-handed Ruslan Provodnikov, who remains the only big name on Algieri’s resume.

“A win will propel me into the top of the pound-for-pound ratings and viewed as one of the best fighters in all of boxing,” he added.

But defeating Pacquiao is easier said than done, and Algieri will enter their bout as a huge underdog. Never before has the American faced someone of Pacquiao’s caliber, although he brings with him height and reach advantages that could enable him to pull off another upset.

While Algieri possesses a stiff jab that could frustrate Pacquiao all night, the former believes it is his ability to adjust in-fight that will be his key to victory.

Meanwhile, in the same blog, Algieri said his days fighting in small boxing cards are over.

“At this point, I want the biggest fights out there. I have spent a long time fighting off TV and outside of the public eye. Now I want that exposure and I want to fight the biggest names out there in boxing,” he continued.

Algieri, who will be stripped of his WBO light welterweight title, will take on Pacquiao at a catch weight of 144 pounds, but still for the latter’s WBO welterweight crown. He could hardly wait to take the belt off Pacquiao’s hands.

“I want to show that I belong here. It has taken me a long time to get to this point, and I don't plan on leaving now that I am here,” he said. – Dino Maragay