MANILA, Philippines – Chris Algieri, the man set to face Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 23, has issued a different challenge to the Filipino icon: join the Ice Bucket Challenge, which is currently making rounds on social media.
The challenge, also called ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, is an activity that involves dumping a bucket of iced water on one's head. If the individual dared to do the challenge can’t do it, he or she should donate to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association in the US.
The activity is aimed at raising awareness for ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a progressive, neurodegenerative condition that affects the brain and the spinal cord. It is said to affect about 30,000 patients in the US.
The challenge has gone viral in the US – where it is currently summer – and has attracted a who’s who of the film and sports world, including NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
Algieri is the latest sports celebrity to do it, challenging Pacquiao to do the same.
“I am not issuing a challenge to anybody else. The only person I am challenging is the person I am challenging on November 22nd, and that is Manny Pacquiao. Enjoy Manny,” Algieri said in a video he posted in his Instagram account.
Right after Algieri’s statement, a bucket of iced water is poured over the boxer’s head.
As per the rules of the challenge, Pacquiao has 24 hours to record himself on video that he has accepted Algieri’s challenge, after which a bucket of iced water is poured over his head. Pacquiao can then call out another person to do the same.
The fighting congressman also has the option of donating money to charity if he does not complete the challenge within the specified time.
Pacquiao and Algieri will clash at the Venetian Resort in Macau.