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:
THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
By Eric Armit, Sun, 02 Nov 2025Last Pinoy Standing: Jonas Magpantay marches into semis in Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 02 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
Sat, 01 Nov 20253 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025