Manny Pacquiao. AP FILE PHOTO
If Manny Pacquiao fails to stop Chris Algieri in their WBO welterweight title clash on Nov. 23, he is expected to move down to the light welterweight division.
This is because chief trainer Freddie Roach feels Pacquiao’s punching power will be stronger at 140 pounds.
Fighting in the 147 lb class, Pacquiao, being naturally smaller, has been unable to finish off all his opponents since 2010.
Roach told sportswriters in General Santos City recently that Pacquiao hasn’t carried his power up to the 147 lb class.
Pacquiao’s two-round demolition of then light welterweight king Briton Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 is highlighted in boxing’s spectacular knockouts. It was followed by a 12-round stoppage of Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 of the same year at a catchweight of 145 lb.
Shortly after his vengeful victory over Timothy Bradley last April in Las Vegas, Pacquiao boasted that he can easily make it back to 140, and even return to 135.