'Algieri has no chance against Manny' — Roach

MACAU — Freddie Roach has a brutal assessment of Chris Algieri's chances against Manny Pacquiao when they clash for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title showdown at the Cotai Arena inside The Venetian here.

 

Roach, the five-time Trainer of the Year, said Algieri doesn't stand a chance against Pacquiao, and this is a golden opportunity for him to go for the kill and switch his career back to a blinding speed after suffering a pair of heart-crushing losses that nearly pushed him on the brink of retirement.

 

He added that Algieri doesn't have the heart and the talent to go toe-to-toe against an elite fighter like Pacquiao and the fight wouldn't go the distance because Pacquiao would pounce on the inexperienced Algieri as soon as the opening bell rings.

 

Pacquiao wrapped up his seven-week training with a last-minute workout at the basement of this luxurious hotel while Algieri opted to relax and get a massage. On Saturday, they will face each other for the official weigh-in before climbing the ring on Sunday for the much-anticipated battle.

 

"Zero," Roach said when urged to comment on Algieri's chances on the fight that would net Pacquiao a purse of at least $23 million.

 

"He doesn't have the heart to win."

 

Roach, actually, was bracing for a furious showdown between Pacquiao and Ruslan Provodnikov, the hard-hitting Russian slugger who knows the Filipino ring icon like the back of his hand for being his sparring partner Pacquiao's megabuck fights like in his fourth battle with Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.

 

But before their much-anticipated showdown, Provodnikov had to battle a little-known American in Algieri to defend his WBO light welterweight crown.

 

At first, Provodnikov was in control as he downed Algieri twice in the first round. Disaster, however, struck as the 30-year old New Yorker banked on his footwork and boxing skills to  storm back and win the fight by a close split decision, a development that moved the tectonic plates of professional boxing.

 

With that, Algieri won the ticket to fight Pacquiao and earn more than $1 million -- the biggest purse in his entire career.

 

Roach, however, said they are not taking Algieri seriously.

 

"They are worlds apart," said Roach in reference to Algieri and his former student in Provodnikov. "Algieri has no chance against Manny. He doesn't have the punching power."

 

A known knockout artist who soared to prominence when he battered legends like Oscar Dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton to submission, Pacquiao's boxing journey hit some major bumps when he lost to Bradley by a close shave and to Marquez by way of a devastating knockout.

 

Prior to that, critics were doubting his punching prowess as he failed to knock down foes like Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and Marquez. His last knockout win was over Miguel Cotto in the final minute of their 12-round battle in 2009.

 

Roach said an emphatic win by Pacquiao over Algieri could elevate him again into the elite status.

 

"He is really ready and he works impressively," Roach said. "He wants the world back on his side."

 

"This is a perfect opportunity for him. Knowing Manny, I know he will jump at this golden opportunity."

 

And on Sunday, Roach hopes, the old Manny Pacquiao will be back. — STR/JST, GMA News