Manny Pacquiao and Chris Algieri (Getty)
Manny Pacquiao is back in action Saturday night when he puts his WBO welterweight title on the line against little-known American Chris Algieri.
Pacquiao is 56-5-2 with 38 knockouts, while Algieri is 20-0 with 8 KOS.
Guy Docetoni has a full breakdown of the fight here and some background on Algieri:
30 year-old club-boxer Chris Algieri was virtually unknown in the boxing world as he stepped into the ring for the biggest fight of his life in June 2014 at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn against one of today’s most feared fighters, Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov.
Algieri’s role that night was simple, a sacrificial tune-up for the rabid Russian, designed to showcase Provodnikov’s skills in preparation for his own future fight against the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
But Algieri had different designs.
With a hometown crowd behind him, the former champion kickboxer was able to weather two first-round knockdowns and a bout-threatening swollen-shut eye to put together a boxing masterclass that left the brawling Russian swinging at air.
The effort was enough to earn himself a split decision, Provodnikov’s WBO light welterweight title, and a future showdown with eight-division title holder Manny Pacquiao.
You can also check out Guy’s post on Algieri as you get ready for the fight.
Who:
Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) vs. Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs)
When:
Saturday, 9 p.m. Eastern time
Where:
The Venetian Macao, Macao, China.
TV
HBO Pay-per-view.
Odds:
Pacquiao: 2/13
Algieri: 17/4
Full odds here via Bovada
Heavy’s Pick
Pacquiao in a 12-round decision.