MANILA, Philippines – Chris Algieri is known for having a stiff jab that he employs to keep opponents at bay and confused.
He used it in the biggest win of his career against Ruslan Provodnikov in June to annex the WBO light welterweight title.
Even Freddie Roach, the chief trainer of Manny Pacquiao – whom Algieri faces about two weeks from now – is wary of the undefeated American’s jab.
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But Algieri himself pointed to another asset as the key to him upsetting Pacquiao on November 23 at The Venetian Macao in Macau, China.
"My ability to adjust and find a way to win, which is an intangible, I know. A lot of people, like you said and Freddie said, think about the jab and whatnot. I don't think that's my best asset,” Algieri said in an interview with fighthype.com’s Ben Thompson.
The New Yorker indeed proved his ability to adjust against Provodnikov, who knocked him down twice in the first round of their fight and appeared to be a round away from scoring a stoppage. Instead, Algieri survived the hellish opening round, dusted himself off, and outboxed Provodnikov for the rest of the bout to earn a split decision.
He thinks the same skill will tow him to a win over the heavily favored Pacquiao, currently the WBO welterweight champion.
“I think my best asset is being able to adjust in a fight; adjusting to any situation and finding a way to win," Algieri continued.
Algieri is oozing with confidence that he is even looking at a lopsided win.
"I've prepared for tough fights, but I never prepare for close fights. I'm going to go out there and I'm looking to win every single round,” he further said. – Dino Maragay