Promoter: Algieri offered Pacquiao fight

MANILA, Philippines – The promoters of Manny Pacquiao and rising star Chris Algieri are reportedly in serious talks to arrange a clash between the two fighters.

In a report by ringtv.com’s Lem Satterfield, Algieri promoter Joe DeGuardia even confirmed that an offer has been made to his ward to face Pacquiao.

“We have a Pacquiao offer on the table and we are negotiating that actually as we speak,” DeGuardia told Satterfield.

Algieri is coming off the biggest win of his career when he upset Ruslan Provodnikov last June 14 to annex the WBO light welterweight title. The American picked himself up from two first-round knockdowns to score a split decision victory and position himself for a crack at Pacquiao.

Algieri (20-0, with 8 KOs) now has a good chance of slugging it out with Pacquiao, who is scheduled to fight again this November in Macau.

DeGuardia, for his part, is optimistic they can reach a deal soon.

“We’re in the midst of everything on Algieri now, and I hope to have something this week as to where we’re going to be. We’re talking about Pacquiao. We’re looking into his next opponents as far as dates. I’m in the middle of it right now. I characterize the talks as discussions,” the promoter explained.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum and Banner Promotions’ Artie Pellulo, who also has options on Algieri, confirmed that talks are indeed under way.

“Discussions are discussions. Did I discuss it with Joe? Yeah. Did I discuss it with Artie? Yeah. Artie is, as a matter of fact, coming out to California, and he’s coming over to my house tomorrow afternoon. So I will discuss it further with Artie and I guess that Joe will be on the phone,” Arum detailed.

“There’s no sense in being quiet about it. I’m flying out to meet with Bob tomorrow at 2 p.m., and Algieri and Pacquiao is the conversation, and we’ll see how it plays out,” Pellulo responded.

Algieri himself had been vocal about his desire to face Pacquiao, currently the WBO welterweight champion. Joining him in the line are Luis Abregu, Amir Khan and Danny Garcia, who are also hoping to be picked by the Filipino icon.

But it appears Algieri already has the inside track.