Chris Algieri knows that he will be a heavy underdog against Manny Pacquiao in their upcoming showdown, but the unbeaten challenger believes that he has all the qualities to score a huge upset on Nov. 22 at Venetian Resort in Macau, China.
Algieri said in an interview that his mental toughness would propel him to a big win against Pacquiao, saying that he displayed such quality during his fight against Ruslan Provodnikov.
The 30-year-old was knocked down twice in the Provodnikov fight, but he managed to regroup to escape with a close split decision win to take the World Boxing Organization (WBO) light welterweight champion.
"Sticking to the game plan, and staying focused in times of adversity, that's what separates me from other fighters," Algieri said via BoxingScene. "My mental make-up and my mental strength has always been the difference in my fights, and that is what will propel me once again to victory on November 22nd."
Algieri, who holds a 20-0 record with eight knockouts, said in an interview that he trained harder than ever because he is looking to push the action in order to put a lot of pressure on Pacquiao's shoulder.
"I'm looking to hit the gas," Algieri said. "We've been sparring twelve to thirteen 4 minute rounds, with 30 seconds rest and 40 seconds rest and multiple guys rotating in. Pace is not going to be an issue. I've got to go out there and get in the old lion's face - and push the action. I'm a fast paced fighter as well."
The Huntington, New York native will look to win his second world title as Pacquiao is set to defend his WBO welterweight title - probably for the last time.
Pacquiao said that he is planning to move down to the light welterweight division, pointing out in an interview that he might be more effective and more explosive at 140 pounds.
"I could be faster than when I fought at welterweight and super welterweight and if my power remains the same, I may be able to score more knockouts at lower weights," Pacquiao said. "I weighed 138 when I knocked out Ricky Hatton, 142 when I stopped Oscar De La Hoya and 144 when I scored a TKO of Miguel Cotto."
