Algieri not keen on going for KO

MANILA, Philippines – For Chris Algieri, a knockout is not necessary for him to carve out an upset over Manny Pacquiao in their fight in Macau next week.

In a recent conference call, Algieri said he can defeat Pacquiao without knocking him out, even as he acknowledged the role the pro-Pacquiao crowd would play.

“No, I don’t think so [if a knockout is necessary]. The judges are much closer to the action than the fans are. Fans sure can sway the way a fight looks,” the unbeaten American told reporters during the call Tuesday.

Algieri is not known for his punching power, with only eight of his 20 wins coming by way of knockout. His trainer Tim Lane, however, predicted a knockout victory for his ward over the heavily favored Pacquiao.

But Algieri is optimistic he can still get the win even if the fight goes to the scorecards on November 23 at The Venetian Macao.

“I am confident in the ability of the judges and if I do what I need to do and things go the way that we plan, we will come out with the victory regardless of the fan support,” the New York-based fighter also said.

Algieri went on to point out that his mental toughness and skills will spell the difference in the fight rather than his physical advantages over Pacquiao.

“I’m tall for the weight class. I am built to go in and stand in front of the man and trade bombs – why would I do that? I’ve got length, I’ve got reach, I’ve got speed; I’ve got footwork and defense, but that’s not what’s going to be the difference in this fight,” he explained.

“It’s what I bring to the table versus what he brings to the table. I think a lot of it has to do with my mental preparation and mind going into this fight as well as what we know from Manny.

“It’s not a tall guy versus a short guy – It’s Chris Algieri versus Manny Pacquiao,” he added.