Algieri calls Pacquiao ‘great champion’

MACAU –  Chris Algieri carried mixed emotions to the post-fight conference just an hour after he tasted his first defeat as a boxer.

The 30-year-old Algieri, previously undefeated until he ran into Manny Pacquiao, came in a black shirt and dark shades and talked about the fight.

Despite some bruises, there was nothing much to hide.

Algieri’s face remained beautiful.

“This is not exactly the way I expected to be up here,” said the pride of Huntington, who was knocked down six times by the heavy-handed Pacquiao.

“I’m very disappointed. But this is boxing,” he said.

A few days ago, Algieri was asked how he envisioned the fight against Pacquiao, and he responded by raising both arms and pointing to the sky.

His trainer, Tim Lane, did the same.

“Manny Pacquiao is a great champion. He’s an all-time great and one of the best fighters ever. But I’m going to take this as a learning experience,” he said.

Then the former kickboxer and future doctor from New York talked about his plans.

“I will pursue my own career and get better. That’s something to look forward to and reach out for,” he said.

Algieri has had a great year, starting off with a stunning win over Ruslan Provodnikov last June and this rare date with a great champion like Pacquiao.

He was paid $1.5 million for this fight, and once the dust settles, he should be happy counting his earnings, and sharing them with his parents from Long Island.

Algieri is looking forward to the holidays.

“I just have to gather my wits and go out there and make another run,” he said.

As Algieri wrapped up his short speech, Pacquiao walked into the ballroom and made his way up the stage.

Algieri shook hands with the champion, stepped aside and took his seat.