On Sunday morning in Macau ? Saturday night in the United States ? Manny Pacquiao will put his WBO middleweight title on the line against WBO light welterweight champ Chris Algieri.
It’ll be storied champion against virtual (but unbeaten) unknown ? the blurry hand speed of Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) against the proven ability of Algieri (20-0, eight KOs) to take a punch.
Here’s how NJ Advance Media columnist Jerry Izenberg sees the fight:
I’ve been in this business for more than 63 years. I’ve covered just about every event a sports columnist can, from every Super Bowl to 49 Kentucky Derbies to more than 30 World Series and … well, you get the idea that I’m not a rookie.
During that period, I have covered thousands of fights in six different countries. I knew every legitimate heavyweight champion from Louis to Klitchko. I saw the greatest in all the divisions including Robinson, Leonard, Hearns, Hagler, Pep, Duran and just about every Hall of Famer during my time.
Forget Floyd Mayweather’s well-protected record. Forget Foreman’s unbelievable comeback as an “old man.” Nobody ? but absolutely nobody ? ever came close to winning titles in eight weight divisions.
But Manny Pacquiao did it.
I don’t believe Chris Algieri has much of a chance.
Algeiri’s age (30) is in his favor. Foot speed (and I’m not saying footwork here) is another of his assets. So are range and the ability to jab.
That said ? and even with Pacquiao’s history of an awful lot of debilitating ring wars and his age (35) mdash;I think Pacquiao has all the tools he needs to separate the flesh-and-blood Algieri from the myth. There is no gap in courage between the two but there is an enormous gap in power and hand speed.
Algieri is smart and has a plan. It may take three of four rounds for Pacquiao to take him out of that plan, but I believe he will. This is showtime on the big stage and Algieri has not been there before.
The fight could well go the distance but decision or knockout, I like Pacquiao to leave no doubt. One day, age will catch up with him. But not on this night.
Hand speed and power will prevail.
