MANILA, Philippines - Chris Algieri can only find some extra motivation in his coming battle against Manny Pacquiao if the undefeated American is eventually stripped of his WBO junior welterweight crown.
Algieri will face Pacquiao for the Filipino’s WBO welterweight title on Nov. 23 in Macau.
The fight was made with the understanding that Algieri’s 140-pound title won’t be compromised, meaning if he loses to Pacquiao he remains the WBO junior welterweight champion.
But during the recent WBO convention in Las Vegas, a ruling was made that because Algieri is fighting Pacquiao at a catchweight of 144 pounds he should relinquish his title.
Fight Saga broke the news of the WBO ruling at the close of the WBO convention four days ago.
“From what we just found out, Chris won’t be able to keep his title because he’s going to be competing above the junior welterweight limit on Nov. 22 against Manny Pacquiao,” said Algieri’s promoter, Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions.
Algieri is co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing.
“This was news to both myself and my partner Joe DeGuardia. I think Joe has plans to deal with this issue concerning Chris and WBO,” Pelullo said in the Fight Saga article.
“We were stunned when we heard the news. We’re going to have to get this cleared up. Because it was my understanding that this fight wouldn’t affect Chris’ championship status at junior welterweight,” DeGuardia was quoted as saying.