A MISMATCH, A TASTELESS TUNEUP
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 24 Nov 2014
Macau ? Freddie Roach said he was not disappointed that Chris Algieri managed to finish yesterday?s world welterweight boxing championship fight on his feet, saying the American pretty boy did some exceptional escape acts that he had not anticipated.
Roach had said on Friday that it would be impossible for Algieri, labeled a certified greenhorn, to survive against Manny Pacquiao, going by how well and hard the eight-division world champion trained.
Roach however claimed Algieri?s survival should not detract from the fact that Pacquiao has regained his original firepower.
?The old power is back, but he should be a lot sharper if he starts to fight in the 140 lbs. (light welterweight) division,? Roach told the Inquirer.
Yesterday?s fight for the WBO welterweight (147 lbs.) crown was at the catch weight of 144 lbs.
**
Algieri, whom bout sellers led by the grizzled Bob Arum tried to peddle as the New White Hope, picked himself up from the floor a total of six times to mark his debut as a pay-per-view boxer.
Described also as a real-life Rocky, Algieri was next labeled as a big joke by veteran sportswriter Eddie Alinea following his tasteless stand.
Roach said he does not remember any prizefighter in the recent past finishing on his feet despite having been floored a total of six times.
The scores of the three judges?119-103, 120-102, 119-103?could also be a record in lopsidedness in the prizefight business.
**
Pacquiao, who showed up at the post-fight press-con fresh and unscathed, lauded Algieri for his guts.
But many among those who watched the fight live at the Cotai Arena here swore it was Algieri?s faint-heartedness that deprived the championship of color and significance.
Other disappointed fans said Algieri?s often frantic retreat prevented Pacquiao from dishing out his best.
Algieri went into survival mode the moment he had a taste of Pacquiao?s fist in the first round.
Close to the end of the press conference, Pacquiao?s much-desired fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. was brought up.
Arum, who had said prior to yesterday?s Clash Cotai II that they were talking with Showtime about the possibility of the dream bout, made a turn-around and said they would be waiting for a phone call from Mayweather?s people.
Reminded that Pacquiao?s fight against Algieri could?ve served as a tune-up for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, Roach had a big, big laugh.
He did not have to say that yesterday?s mismatch was both absurd and worthless.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026