Pacquiao admits he was cautious

MACAU – WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao admitted holding back from throwing caution to the wind to score a knockout despite flooring challenger Chris Algeiri repeatedly because you can’t be too careful in boxing.

Pacquiao was dominant in trouncing Algieri by a unanimous 12-round decision, in the process registering six knockdowns, one in the second, two in the sixth and ninth and one in the 10th. For a while, it looked like referee Geno Rodriguez would stop the fight in the ninth and even Pacquiao appeared to appeal for a stoppage to save Algieri from further punishment. But Algieri wouldn’t surrender.

Judge Michael Pernick saw it 120-102 for Pacquiao while the two other adjudicators Patrick Morley and Levi Martinez had it 119-103, also for the Filipino who retained the crown he regained from Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas last April. Morley awarded the fifth round to Algieri and Martinez, the eighth. Their generosity made no difference in the outcome.

Pacquiao was virtually unmarked. He had a slight bruise on his left temple and there was a minor scratch on his left cheek. In contrast, Algieri’s face took a bashing. Algieri never made good his boast that he would knock out Pacquiao or outsmart or outwork him. It was Pacquiao who was clearly the superior fighter in all respects. In terms of volume, Pacquiao threw 669 shots to Algieri’s 469. Translated into average per round, Pacquiao unloaded 56 blows to Algieri’s 39. Pacquiao connected on 229 shots to Algieri’s 108. The disparity was huge as Pacquiao wasn’t only busier but also more accurate.

Pacquiao said he did all he could to deliver a knockout, something he hasn’t done in his last nine fights since halting Miguel Cotto in 2009. But it takes two to tango and Algieri chose a different dance. Still, Pacquiao said he didn’t want to be careless, probably keeping in mind what happened in 2012 when Juan Manuel Marquez sneaked in a right to post a knockout with two seconds left in the sixth round.

Pacquiao said he was never bothered by Algieri who had some success with his right hand. There were no troubled waters at all he crossed. He pressed the attack from the onset and it was clear Algieri wouldn’t engage. At the start, Pacquiao chased Algieri all over the ring but in the middle rounds, he made a key adjustment to stand his ground in the center of the ring.

“I wanted Algieri to come in so I could counter,” said Pacquiao. “I stopped running after him. But it’s hard to fight somebody who doesn’t want to fight. I stood in the middle of the ring, hoping he would open up. I scored six knockdowns but I didn’t want to take a chance and go straight in for a knockout. I was being careful.”

When Pacquiao waited for Algieri to make his move, the New Yorker backed off, sensing a trap. He kept circling Pacquiao, keeping a safe distance away and flicked his long left jab which hardly found its target. Algieri caught Pacquiao once with a right as he came forward, reminiscent of Marquez’ killer punch, and that probably reminded the Filipino that accidents happen in the ring. Pacquiao’s change of strategy created more opportunities to exchange and in the ninth, Algieri fell twice.

With the WBO title belt safely back on his waist, Pacquiao said he’s not sure if he’ll play for Kia against Purefoods in the PBA on Wednesday. The Sorento playing coach invited the Kia team to watch the fight at ringside and the players, coaches and staff cheered their boss wildly. Kia has three more games to play before the end of the eliminations and Pacquiao said his goal is for the Sorento to win at least two. Kia now has a 1-7 record and two more wins may be enough cushion to advance to the playoffs.

Asked if he’ll play on Wednesday, Pacquiao flashed a wide grin and said he needs to practice. He didn’t categorically rule out playing. An aide said he’ll likely sit on the bench and coach. Whether he’ll play or not is completely his call. His initial plan was to practice basketball tonight and get ready to suit up against Purefoods.

Pacquiao’s body went through a hard grind the last three months and is due for a rest. Even an efficient machine needs some oiling and tuning up. But Pacquiao knows what he’s capable of doing. He wasn’t hurt by Algieri although it seemed like he ran two marathons yesterday morning. Pacquiao would know if his body is ready for basketball.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was at his busiest form in years, throwing a total of 669 punches and landing 229 of them.

Algieri threw 469 punches and found the target 108 times. Based on record, Pacquiao had already thrown 100 more punches by the end of the fourth round.