Challenger sneezes at Pacquiao firepower

(HELP, PLEASE: This is an appeal on behalf of printing machine operator Jay M. Vera, 39, who urgently needs funds for an angioplasty procedure to save his life. Vera, a poor father to two kids, has been diagnosed at the Philippine Heart Center, where he was rushed on July 18, with two blocked coronary arteries. Donors may please contact his wife, Alicia Vera, a public school teacher, at 0918-6255888. Our sincerest  thanks.)

* * *

TALL Chris Algieri has an idea on how to deal with Manny Pacquiao. It must be a pretty sound theory that has convinced the unbeaten American he will surely beat the Filipino boxing superhero in Macau this November.

Algieri’s win-win theory is mostly built around his height edge and sharpness.

Before this, though, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach announced that he has a sure-fire formula on how to conquer Algieri.

Roach made the announcement minutes after Algieri upset Ruslan Provodnikov via split decision last month to clinch the WBO junior welterweight championship.

* * *

Actually, Roach had wanted to use the plot in the event Provodnikov would be given a rematch against the 30-year-old New Yorker with a 20-0 pro record.

Until yesterday, though, many experts found it odd that Algieri has instead been pitted against Pacquiao for the Pinoy icon’s WBO welterweight crown.

Algieri actually called out Pacquiao’s name after his slim win over Provodnikov.

But even then, there were fight experts who found Algieri’s dare to Pacquiao somewhat ludicrous.

Reason: Based on his shaky finish against the rock-hard Provodnikov, Algieri, who got paid only $100,000 in that bout, was deemed pretty way off Pacquiao’s multimillion-dollar level and worth.

* * *

Yesterday, it was reported that Algieri was initially pegged an aweful 14-1 underdog against Pacquiao.

Algieri shrugged off the disparity, claiming it was not unlike the last time when nobody also gave him a chance of going past the fire-breathing Provodnikov.

Also yesterday, Algieri bared to fightnews.com the details on how he plans to upset Pacquiao.

* * *

“I’m expecting an explosive guy, very quick. I think he’s one of the best in-and-out, side-to-side guys out there,” Algieri admitted.

He then bared the weapon he’ll be wielding come fight time in Macau.

“You know what the great equalizer is, and I say this time, it’s the jab,” he said.

Algieri added he’s not the least awed by Pacquiao’s feared firepower.

“I don’t care if he’s faster, I don’t care if he’s stronger. I got the jab, I got a brain. That’s the great equalizer. Not power, it’s the jab,” Algieri said.

Pacquiao has refused to comment.