MACAU – Chris Algieri’s imposing size and irreverence doesn't even bother the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion.
Manny Pacquiao knows Algieri’s confidence comes with youth.
“He’s a boy,” said the boxing great from the Philippines, referring to the 5-foot-10 challenger who boasts of a 20-0 record, with 8 KOs entering their fight on Sunday at the Cotai Arena in this gambling enclave.
“He’s young and he’s very confident.”
Despite being the heavy underdog, Algieri believes he has what it takes to beat one of the best boxers of all time after coming off a stunning 12-round split decision against former Pacquiao sparmate Ruslan Provodnikov last June to wrest the WBO junior welterweight crown.
But Pacquiao simply shrugged it off, saying there’s "no worry and no concern" on his part.
Pacquiao admitted feeling the same way as Algieri during his early years as a fighter.
“Actually, until now,” he replied with a smile when asked if he still feels and thinks that way to this day.
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