Algieri latest entry to Pacquiao derby

MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach is confident that Manny Pacquiao can beat anybody thrown in front of him.

Roach thinks Pacquiao can beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. if ever it happens. He said Pacquiao can fight Juan Manuel Marquez a fifth time and win.

There are others who want Pacquiao. There’s Amir Khan. And there’s Danny Garcia. There’s Ruslan Provodnikov. And there’s Luis Carlos Abregu.

Throw in Chris Algieri.

Algieri is the latest addition to the list of potential opponents for Pacquiao when the reigning WBO welterweight champion from the Philippines fights in November.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum said Pacquiao will fight on Nov. 23 in Macau. But if the fight takes place in the United States it falls on Nov. 22.

Algieri, 30 years old, undefeated in 20 fights and born in New York, became an instant candidate after he defeated Provodnikov in Brooklyn two nights ago.

Algieri stands 5-foot-11.

He survived a couple of knockdowns in the opening round against the Russian beast but went on to score a stunning split decision.

Immediately, Algieri declared his readiness to face Pacquiao.

“Pacquiao is a good fight. It’s a great fight. To be in there with a guy like Manny, definitely a future Hall of Famer, it would be awesome,” he told Boxing Scene.

“And I think statistically it could be a good matchup. He’s another dangerous guy but I think my style would match up well,” Algieri said.

Anybody who beats anybody at 140 and 147 lb thinks he’s ready for Pacquiao, back in the winner’s circle with two straight wins after two straight losses.

But is Algieri really ready for Pacquiao?

“Algieri is a real nice kid. I never heard of him before this fight. He made a good statement with this fight. I don’t know if he’s quite that big yet (to face Pacquiao,” Roach told Boxing Scene.

“He’s still a 140-pounder moving up 147 to fight Pacquiao,” said Roach, adding that Pacquiao may consider moving back down to 140 for his next fight.

Roach, however, said Algiere could be the right opponent.

“Possibly. He’s pretty tall, rangy. I have no problem getting Pacquiao ready to beat him,” said the future Hall of Fame trainer.

Roach has the answer for everything.