Pacman must chew Algieri up

21 November 2014 - 02:20 By David Isaacson
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PAC PAC: Pacquiao is an overwhelming favourite. Odds range from 1-10 to 1-12
PAC PAC: Pacquiao is an overwhelming favourite. Odds range from 1-10 to 1-12
Image: CHRIS HYDE/GALLO IMAGES

If Chris Algieri were to beat Manny Pacquiao in Macau on Sunday, what's the worst that would happen?

Would all hope of Pacquiao's long-awaited fight against Floyd Mayweather fade for good? Or would a loss finally convince Mayweather to take the bout, knowing for sure that Pacquiao is shot?

Promoter Bob Arum is the only one offering a firm indication that a Pacman-Mayweather contest is on the cards, but given that he is promoting Pacquiao versus Algieri and wants maximum pay-per-view sales, one should take that with a pinch of salt.

If you think about it, the promise of Pacquiao against Mayweather is the only reason you would really want to watch the Algieri showdown.

Is Pacquiao versus Algieri a good match?

Algieri, the WBO light-welterweight champion, is stepping up a division to challenge Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight crown. The underdog will be out of his comfort zone so, potentially, this promises to be one-way traffic.

How good is Algieri?

Algieri, a counter-puncher, is unbeaten in 20 fights, but he is hardly a knockout artist, having scored only eight stoppage wins. Even his split decision victory over Ruslan Provodnikov was considered a little lucky in some circles.

Can Algieri take a punch?

He went down twice in the first round against Provodnikov, the first from a vicious left hook that ultimately caused his right eye to swell completely by the end of the bout. The second was from a body punch, probably while he was still hurting from the first blow. Yes, Algieri has heart. But enough to stomach Pacquiao?

What if Pacquiao is not up to scratch?

Pacquiao would have to be really poor to struggle against Algieri, who has a 13cm reach advantage. If Pacman can't negotiate that, then he deserves to lose.

Does anyone expect Algieri to win?

No. The bookmakers have made Pacquiao an overwhelming favourite for this fight, at odds ranging from 1-10 to 1-12, while his opponent is between 6-1 and 7-1. Algieri's family members are more hopeful. Maybe.

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