“Champ vs. Champ” Press Conference in LA!
“Here we go again!” said Manny Pacquiao as he took his turn at the microphone at Wednesday’s Los Angeles press conference held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.
The eight-division world champion will face Long Island’s Chris Algieri on November 22 at the CotaiArena, The Venetian in Macao. Their clash for PacMan’s WBO welterweight strap will air live on HBO PPV. The pair will fight at a catch weight of 144. And while the Filipino Congressman/boxer/idol has fought numerous times on PPV broadcasts, this is Algieri’s first time experiencing a whirlwind media tour on the world’s biggest stage.
Both fighters were in good spirits during this week’s L.A. event. There was no trash talking at this presser which was packed with media (par for the course whenever Pacquiao is in town). Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Star Boxing’s Joe DeGuardia, Banner Promotions’ Artie Pelullo, trainers Freddie Roach, strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune, Tim Lane, the popular TR ring card girls and more were also on stage at this media luncheon which marks the last West Coast appearance before Manny heads to the Philippines for training camp. In the audience were actor/singer Frank Stallone, boxing commentator Larry Merchant and Manny’s mom Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao.
Again, there was no war of words at this presser. Things were calm and friendly, the banter kept light. Algieri even presented his rival’s trainer, Freddie Roach, with a special healing stone pendant.
Manny stated that Algieri deserves this shot in the ring showing his toughness in his fight against Provodnikov. Pacquiao added that he doesn’t underestimate his opponent even though Chris lacks the experience that Pac has. And PacMan also promises to bring back that “killer instinct” that fans loved in his fights versus Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
During the speeches, much was said about Algieri (a former kickboxer and college graduate) getting a golden opportunity to face the Filipino superstar. Hall of Fame promoter Arum called him a “true American success story.”
When he beat Ruslan Provodnikov on June 14, the tide turned for Chris Algieri. While the casual boxing fan had never heard of him, the underdog and his team say their WBO lighter welterweight champ is more than up to the task. While Algieri certainly has the height advantage, his record of 20-0 with 8 KOs pales in comparison to Pacquiao’s ledger of 56-5-2 and 38 KOs. But his camp maintains their stance that Chris can “shock the world” and beat expectations once again. “We believe he can win and bring home that belt,” Team Algieri said.
And making light of their underdog status, Algieri’s coach Tim Lane proclaimed at the podium: “Welcome to the Chris Algieri show!”
Promoter Joe DeGuardia says the journey has been fantastic and while Lane “may not be well known on the boxing circuit but the power that he and Chris have forged together has made Chris unstoppable!”
But will this upstart from Huntington, New York will have his hands full with the southpaw champion who has faced the elite in several divisions. Many critics and fans have balked at this matchup giving Algieri little to no chance of pulling off an upset.
And when Freddie Roach came up to the mic, his first statement countered Tim Lane’s. “Welcome to the Manny Pacquiao show!” the Hall of Fame trainer jabbed back at Team Algieri.
When Manny spoke, he told the crowd: “You should watch this fight because this fight is one of a kind. We guarantee more action in the ring.”
After the speeches came the face off. Standing inches above his ring rival, Algieri peered down at Pacquiao, who was given a chair to stand on as the room erupted in laughter.
Their media tour (which began on August 25 in Macao) has seen the pair face off many times. All meetings have been casual and friendly affairs thus far.
But when that bell rings, both vow to flip a switch and get the job done.
Will Manny Pacquiao get a KO victory that his loyal fans are clamoring for? Or will the underdog Chris Algieri shock the boxing world once again?
Tune in on November 22 as the prizefighters prove who the better man is.
Photos by Michele Chong
