Algieri says it could be one-sided
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 15 Jul 2018
Algieri.
KUALA LUMPUR. Former WBO lightwelterweight champion Chris Algieri is in town to do TV analysis of the WBA welterweight title fight between defending belt-holder Lucas Matthysse of Argentina and Manny Pacquiao for ESPN+ and although he?s half-Argentinian, his prediction is the Filipino will win in what could be a one-sided contest.
Algieri, whose father is Italian and mother is Argentinian, said he?s never met Matthysse although there was once a chance to fight him. ?I was offered bigger money to fight Matthysse but chose to face Ruslan (Provodnikov) for less money because a title was on the line,? he said. ?What I know is Matthysse?s a dangerous opponent because he can punch. Matthysse gets frustrated when he misses and that?s when his defense opens up. It will be competitive and interesting in the first four or five rounds. Then, if Manny frustrates Matthysse, it?ll be just a matter of time. Either Manny wins by a late knockout or a clear decision.?
Algieri said Matthysse?s an easy target. ?Manny will control the tempo with his speed and volume punching,? he said. ?Ruslan was the hardest puncher I?ve ever faced but when I fought Manny in Macau, I got hit and went down on my back in the eighth round. I thought I wouldn?t get up. But I guess it?s the Italian in me. They counted six knockdowns although some were doubtful. I finished the fight on my feet and lost the decision.?
Freddie Roach?s absence won?t make a difference, he said. ?If it turns out to be a war of attrition and it goes down to the wire, maybe Manny will need a third eye in the corner and that could be Freddie,? said Algieri. ?But Manny knows his stuff. He?ll know what to do. He?s a smart fighter. One thing about Manny is he doesn?t usually get tired. Against Jeff Horn, Manny wasn?t at his best but I think he won that fight. It could?ve gotten stopped in the ninth round but Horn?s tough and he survived. It?s possible Manny punched himself out. That won?t happen against Matthysse.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 03 Jul 2025No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 02 Jul 2025What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 02 Jul 2025Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
Wed, 02 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, Tue, 01 Jul 2025