MANILA, Philippines - Malawak ang eksper-yensa ni Manny Pacquiao sa ibabaw ng boxing ring, samantalang may bache-lor’s degree sa health at may master’s degree sa clinical nutrition mula sa Stony Brook University sa New York si Chris Algieri.
Sa Nobyembre 22 ay malalaman kung anong bagay ang magpapanalo kina Pacquiao at Algieri laban sa isa’t isa.
“That’s what we’ll have to see, but Manny has his work cut out for him,” sabi ni Bob Arum ng Top Rank Promotions. “Manny understands the sport at a world-class le-vel, but there’s something about Algieri you can’t underrate. He keeps beating guys.”
Ipagtatanggol ng 5-foot-6 na si Pacquiao ang kanyang hawak na World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown laban sa 5’10 na si Algieri.
Ang 30-anyos na si Algieri, dating kickboxer bago naging pro boxer noong 2008, ang magiging ikalawang pinakamalaking kalaban na sasagupain ng 35-anyos na si Pacquiao matapos si Antonio Margarito noong 2010.
“Stylistically, it’s a very interesting fight. I don’t think he’s ever fought a guy like me with my physical abilities — as tall, as athletic as I am. I’m going to be a master boxer,” wika ni Algieri.
Sa nasabing laban nila ni Margarito ay umiskor si Pacquiao ng unanimous decision.
Samantala, sinabi naman ni Arum na kumpiyansa siyang mapaplan-tsa ang mega showdown nina Pacquiao at Floyd Mayweather, Jr. sa susunod na taon.
Ito ay sa pag-aayos ng HBO at ng Showtime para maitakda ang banggaan nina Pacquiao at Mayweather na magkakahalaga ng $250 milyon.
“Both networks want this fight to happen. All signs seem to point to the fight happening early next year,” ani Arum. “It has to happen by the first six months of next year. And if it happens, there should be a provision with a different percentage for the rematch. So that the winner is rewarded for winning the fight. I would love to see these guys fight twice next year,” dagdag pa nito. (RC)