ALGIERI IS ALWAYS THE UNDERDOG IN HIS THREE MAJOR FIGHTS
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 19 Aug 2014
Chris Algieri always wore the underdog tag in his three major fights this year including his coming fight with Manny Pacquiao on November 23 in Macau.
"I was an underdog against Emmanuel Taylor. I was an underdog against Ruslan Provodnikov," Algieri was quoted by Boxing News 24. "Everyone was saying I didn't belong in there. Obviously I proved I belonged to be there. People are saying I don't belong to be in with Manny."
Algieri scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Taylor, the IBF number 6 junior welterweight contender at the Paramount Theater in Huntington, New York last February 14, 2014.
He scored a unanimous decision, 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93 displaying superb athleticism coupled with a strong left hand in a unique fighting stance.
Algieri's undefeated record of 19-0 with 8 KOs enabled him to stage a title showdown against WBO lightwelterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16KOs). The Russian with a Rocky Balboa-style was the huge crowd favorite. He and Tim Bradley brawled in what was declared as the Fight of the Year 2013. The "Siberian Rocky" earned his crown by stopping Mike Alvarado in nine rounds last October.
Algieri is always known as a fighter without so much power and is a tremendous darkhorse. His confidence remained as strong as ever though.
?We?ve got to go out there and be a master boxer,? Algieri was quoted by Bad Left Hook. ?This is a boxing match. It?s not a barroom brawl. So, I?ve got to go out there and use my skills.?
The fight with Algieri was a very important assignment for Provodnikov and a win in his first title defense would mean a great opportunity to face Manny Pacquiao.
Algieri went down the canvas twice in round one, his right eye was swollen that it had a difficulty seeing in the later rounds, and yet he defeated Provodnikov and unbelievably wresting the WBO junior welterweight title at Barclays Center in Brooklyn via split decision on June 14, 2014.
Algieri shocked the world with a split-decision victory over Provodnikov. Don Trella and Tom Schreck scored it 114-112 for Algieri while Max DeLuca saw it 117-109 for Provodnikov.
After the first round, where Provodnikov floored Algieri twice, Trella favored Algieri in seven-straight rounds. Schreck gave Algieri four of the last six rounds.
Algieri was a + 450 prefight underdog, but he connected more blows with 288 of 993 (29%) total punches, and 177 of 427 (41%) power shots. Provodnikov landed 205 of 776 (26%) punches, and 164 of 434 (38%) power shots.
The Huntington, New York native had not dreamed of a big-money bout against Pacquiao, considered as one of the best boxers of all time. But after winning against Provodnikov, the unexpected chance was realized. He is fully aware that boxing fans doubted his winning capability but assured that the best is yet to come.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024