Manny Pacquiao's next fight opponent Chris Algieri was lauded for his "scientific" approach, as Freddie Roach also admits underestimating the reigning WBO light welterweight champion in the previous encounter fight with Ruslan Provodnikov.
Manny Pacquiao's next fight will be happening on November 22nd at the Cotai Arena in Macau, China. "Pacman" will be placing his WBO welterweight belt on the line, the title he won back against Timothy Bradley during their rematch in April.
Fans and fighters alike have belittled Chris Algieri since Manny Pacquiao's next fight was announced in mid-July. "Pacman's" trainer Freddie Roach dismissed all of Algieri's boxing skills, and is highly confident about their chances.
"His style, he's a bit of a runner. Pacquiao doesn't particularly like fighting guys who run so much," Roach said in a previous interview. "We'll figure out a way to beat him. It's not a problem."
However, during the pre-fight media event in Macau during the past weekend, both Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach have shown more respect towards their opponent.
"I am impressed and intrigued by his scientific approach to training and boxing," Pacquiao said in a report by Bad Left Hook. "He may be the smartest and the fittest athlete I have ever faced and that makes him the most dangerous. I worked hard to reclaim my welterweight title and I will work harder to make sure I keep it on November 22.
"As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bring glory to the Philippines," he added.
Chris Algieri will be entering the fight as a +800 underdog, as pitted by Las Vegas odd-makers. But despite these odds, Freddie Roach is not underestimating their upcoming opponent, which he admitted doing when one of his wards Ruslan Provodnikov faced the New York boxer in June.
"I underestimated Algieri when he faced Ruslan Provodnikov in June but I won't make that mistake again," Roach revealed. "I hope he understands that this is a fight and not a marathon. Algieri is going to face the best of Manny Pacquiao because Manny is going to have his toughest training camp ever.
"I am looking forward to a great fight and Manny's finest hour on November 22," he added about Manny Pacquiao's next fight.
