Manny Pacquiao's November 22 date with Chris Algieri in Macau, China is drawing near, and recently Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach issued an unexpected critique of Algieri.
Roach said that Algieri's power was good, but that he'd lack the speed or boxing ability to handle Pacquiao's aggression or disrupt it.
"He's a tough kid and he's strong. He doesn't have the speed and the skills Manny has. But he has the power," said Roach. "We're fighting the new generation. (Brandon) Rios was the first step. And then (Tim) Bradley). These guys are younger and hungrier."
Algieri's exposure to the boxing public is limited; he burst onto the scene this summer by upsetting Ruslan Provodnikov in Brooklyn's Barclays Center for the WBO junior welterweight title despite being a heavy underdog. Before that, his biggest win was a unanimous decision victory over Emmanuel Taylor, who is most notable for going the distance with Adrien Broner.
Against Provodnikov, Algieri used movement, a strong jab, and quick flurries to win the fight with his activity. He had been knocked down twice in Round 1, and never appeared to hurt Provodnikov.
In August though, Algieri made comments about his punching power being underestimated by the public. "I hit harder than people think," Algieri told BoxingScene.com. He'd disagree with Roach's assessment of his skills however.
"I have special skills that I can keep up the whole fight," Algieri said. "I know how to use my reach advantage and my jab is key. This is boxing."
Algieri also believes he has the stamina to make Pacquiao feel the six-year age gap that exists between them. "I'm not saying Pacquiao's old at 36, but I'm going to make him feel that way all night long."
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