Pacquiao-Algieri fight a go, after both make weight limit

Sunday's bout between Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and Chris Algieri is now all systems go, after both fighters made the 144-pound weight limit.

Pacquiao weighed in at 143.8 pounds, while Algieri needed some extra time to shed some excess weight to meet the limit.

Algieri as of 9 a.m. made the catch weight of 143.6 pounds, GMA News' Mav Gonzales reported.

Earlier, Pacquiao weighed in at 143.8 pounds, 0.2 pound below the catch weight.

Initially, Algieri weighed in at 144.4 pounds, and then at 144.2 pounds. He was given two hours to bring down his weight to 144 pounds.

Algieri exercised in his dressing room to make the 144-pound catch weight.

.@ChrisAlgieri exercises in his dressing room. He has two hours to lose 0.2 lbs. | #PacAlgieri via @mavgonzales pic.twitter.com/rKm46xY4mD

— GMA News (@gmanews) November 22, 2014
 
 
 
 

Support for Pacquiao

Support poured in from Pacquiao's colleagues from the House of Representatives who all wished him the best.

In a news release on Saturday, several lawmakes, including Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, Isabela Fourth District Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao and Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona expressed their confidence in Pacquiao's victory over the younger Algieri.

“Algieri may be younger and taller but Manny is stronger, faster and wiser. Even Manny’s past opponents attest to his greater powers,” Albano said.

“We wish you the best and the whole nation once again will be united in praying for your safety and victory. We are proud of you,” he added.

Aggabao for his part said Pacquiao's speed, stamina and experience will be key to his victory.

“We wish Manny good luck, and we are confident about his victory.... Manny has more experience, speed and stamina. We pray for his personal safety and his victory for our entire nation,” he said.

As for Madrona, he said a knockout victory is highly likely.

“Manny has never underestimated any of his opponents, be his rival younger, older, taller or bigger than him. He always takes his rigid training seriously. No wonder his speed and stamina has been unmatched over the years,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Filipino peacekeepers who are currently under quarantine in Caballo Island as a safeguard against Ebola will also be watching Pacquiao's bout on Sunday.

The much-awaited fight will be live-streamed there which will be provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Major Gerard Alvaran, a peacekeeper who served as UN Military Observer in Liberia said he was looking forward to the match.

“He [Pacquiao] is our idol and inspiration. I hope he will entertain us again this time by mauling his taller opponent,” Alvaran said.

Pacquiao holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the reserve force. He is also deputy commander of the Sarangani Ready Reserve Battalion.

His match against Algieri will determine who walks away with the World Boxing Organization welterweight title. — Joel Locsin with a report from Drei Medina /LBG, GMA News