Algieri has nowhere to hide

MACAU – Manny Pacquiao only has three words for Chris Algieri heading to Sunday’s WBO welterweight title bout at the Venetian Hotel here.

“Give your best,” said Pacquiao in a very soft voice.

The Filipino champion was getting up from his chair, after another round of interview with the press, when he was asked if he had anything more to say to Algieri.

That was the message – short and simple.

In the presence of cameras, Pacquiao had a relatively light workout at the gym tucked somewhere in the basement of the Venetian Hotel.

It’s just four days before Pacquiao returns to action here in Macau, where he outclassed Brandon Rios almost the same time last year.

Freddie Roach said it’s time to slow down.

“I’m sure we’ll have trouble slowing him down. I wanted him to do only eight rounds with the mitts today,” said Roach.

“I’m asking him to do less each day now and save it for the fight. I like where he’s at right now because he’s punching really heavy,” he added.

Roach took a beating from Pacquio inside the ring last Tuesday, and not even the body protector could hide the power behind Pacquiao’s punches.

Roach said Pacquiao’s weight is in check, and that the other day, the heavy-handed boxer weighed at 142 pounds after the workout.

Thursday will be Pacquiao’s last day at the gym.

The fight is set at a catchweight of 144 pounds. Roach said Pacquiao could tip the scales at 142 and climb the ring on Sunday at 144 or 147.

Algieri is the reigning WBO junior-welterweight champion but naturally he is the bigger fighter.

“If he puts 10 pounds (after the weigh-in) it will make him sluggish. But he’s a nutritionist he should know better.  The weight’s not gonna win the fight. When the bell rings the weight no longer matters. The better fighter will win,” said Roach.

In a separate interview, Algieri said he’s going to be patient and try to frustrate Pacquiao.

“What does being patient mean?” Roach asked.

“That he’s going to run? Not too many places to hide,” he said.