Freddie Roach, the longtime trainer of WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, has been engaging Chris Algieri in a “word war” designed to draw the unbeaten American into a mind game to get him distracted in their upcoming fight.
It seems Roach is succeeding in the game as Algieri is responding to every word Roach is saying although he tries to look and act as if he isn’t affected by it. While the best way to deal with Roach tirades is to just ignore them, Algieri does the opposite by commenting on just about anything that Roach said about him or his fighting style. Roach once called Algieri a ‘runner’ and a ‘tough kid.’ Algieri responded by saying: “The last time I checked. I am currently an undefeated world champion in boxing, not tract” and “Top kids don’t win big fights.” Roach has subtle ways of telegraphing his words or statements in such a way that they get into the opponent’s nerves. While doing sparring sessions at Pacman’s Wild Card Gym in General Santos City in the Philippines, Roach told media in a press conference that some of Pacquiao’s current sparring partners are better than Algieri. ?We?ve got some great sparring partners ?I think some better than our opponent, but we?ll see,?? Roach said. Later he said: ?Sometimes, the truth hurts,?? Roach’s statements are designed to downgrade Algieri’s ability as a high-level fighter as they are intended to get into his mindset which could distract his focus as he moves closer to fight. Asked about Roach statements downplaying him as nothing but a regular boxer, Algier said it does not affect him. ?He?s nervous,? Algieri explained. ?Simple as that. He?s acting out of character because he?s nervous. That doesn’t stuff doesn’t affect me at all. I?m not that guy. It?s not going to work on me.? he added.
While Algieri claims he isn’t affected by Roach trash talks, It appears that the Hall of Fame trainer has successfully drawn Algieri into his mind game to get him distracted. Meanwhile, Algieri has become an overnight celebrity after hobnobbing with famous Hollywwod stars that included Silvester Stallone, Eva Longoria and Mike Tyson while training in Las Vegas, Nevada for his Nov. 22nd ring date with Pacquiao.
