In this Sept. 3, 2014, file photo, boxers Manny Pacquiao, left, and Chris Algieri pose for a photo in Los Angeles. AP
MACAU—Chris Algieri removed his shirt, stood up and raised his arms.
“This is going to be the perfect ending,” Algieri told reporters Wednesday morning before his workout at the training room of The Venetian Macao.
His trainer believes that ending will come in the 10th round of Algieri’s fight against Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight crown on Sunday.
“Yes, by knockout,” said trainer Tim Lane, who used to be a sparring partner for Algieri when the latter was still in kickboxing but has since assumed the role of chief trainer for the unbeaten American, who has racked up 20 victories—eight by knockouts.
Though tagged as a huge underdog, Algieri is confident he will be the new welterweight champion Sunday.
And how is he going to surmount Pacquiao’s edge in speed and experience?
“With rhythm and patience,” said Algieri. “I’m going to control the space and make him fight my fight.”
Algieri added that experience can be nullified by intelligence and ring IQ.
“We have the right game plan and all I need is to execute it,” said Algieri, who said he doesn’t care if the crowd at Cotai Arena will mostly be for Pacquiao.
“At the end of the day it’s going to be Manny and me.”