MACAU—American Chris Algieri on Wednesday started sounding like the exact opposite of the composed and dignified fighter who has vowed to beat Manny Pacquiao by staying in complete control on Sunday.
“It’s gonna be action-packed, I’m gonna start firing right from the start,” he blurted while huddled with a small group of reporters in the media center here shortly before the formal press conference for the “Clash in Cotai II.”
Either he missed his cue, or he got handed the wrong script. He appeared tense and tight in a handsome long-sleeved shirt.
Algieri, a well-schooled competitor, was not trained and packaged to play it wild and hot in both words and deed.
* * *
Earlier, Algieri worked out in the hotel gym. Once he was done with his routine, he tipped off select media people of their plan to use superior intelligence and ring management in order to dominate and win.
His main handler, Tim Lane, said they should be able to get Pacquiao in 10 rounds. Algieri smiled in agreement.
So which is which?
By midday Wednesday in Manila, Algieri was viewed on television working out live, shooting at something like a couple of outsized hotdogs handled by his moving trainer.
It was a strange, very strange session.
The figure on top of the ring did not resemble the sharp, shifty fighter that has been peddled as a worthy challenger to Pacquiao.
Algieri pawed and lumbered as though he had prepared to box with a kangaroo.
There was none of the overadvertised wonder jab and shiftiness. Was he trying to mislead spies in the training gym?
The answers will be out Sunday.