Business as usual for Pacquiao, Algieri living the dream

MACAU – Manny Pacquiao flashed his signature smile while Chris Algieri was dead serious wearing his game face on as the two world boxing champions made their first public appearance at The Venetian Main Porte Cochere here on Tuesday night.

Algieri, the undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion, was the first to arrive sporting black shades matched with black leather jacket on top of a black shirt looking like a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator movie.

But his eagerness betrayed him as his game face turned into a giggling boyish grin when he was interviewed amidst the flash and glitz of cameras on the mock-up stage.

“I love it. It’s a great place,” Algieri said when asked about his first visit in this former Portuguese colony.  

“This is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to Sunday,” said the American fighter who is hoping to hit the jackpot with a victory over Pacquiao in his first ever pay-per-view fight.

But his moment came briefly as Pacquiao stole the limelight quickly upon his arrival.

Pacquiao, as always, regaled the crowd with his infectious smile.

“I’m excited to come back here in Macau and fight again,” Pacquiao said. “I hope to see all the fans on Sunday and thank you for all the support.”

The fans cheered wildly for Pacquiao as Algieri was relegated to the background waiting for his chance on Sunday to try to steal the limelight completely from his celebrated opponent.   

As the two boxers were tossed out to the back stage to separate elevators going to their suite rooms, Pacquiao dropped his trademark smile and turned serious.

The fight is definitely on.