Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent Chris Algieri insists that he’s not participating in the bout solely for money.
The selection of Algieri, undefeated in 20 fights but largely seen as on a different level than Pacquiao, has been heavily criticized across the boxing world.
The only reason Algieri was even considered was he beat Ruslan Provodnikov, who had been a top choice for Pacquiao’s next opponent.
Now Pacquiao and Algieri are set to fight on November 22 in Macau.
“This is a very real fight,” Algieri told Boxing Scene.
"Mark my words, I’m coming in fully prepared and I’m sure Manny knows this and Freddie knows this as well. I’m coming to win this fight, I’m not here to get a payday, I’m not here just to fight Manny Pacquiao.
“Anyone who’s looking past that fact doesn’t know me, doesn’t know anything about me.”
Algieri also admitted that he’s a fan of Pacquiao’s.
“My coach Tim Lane keeps doing a lot of tape review right now. I don’t watch a lot of tape, I’ve been watching Manny for years, I’m a fan of Manny,” he said.
He also said he’s faced about six southpaws, so Pacquiao’s stance shouldn’t be a problem.
“I know how these guys fight, I’ve seen it before. I don’t have to do too much studying I'd leave that to the team,” he said. “Right now it’s just really getting used to southpaw positioning, punches coming from those angles.”
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