Chris Algieri new frontrunner as next foe for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — Newly crowned World Boxing Organization light welterweight title-holder Chris Algieri wants Manny Pacquiao for his next fight.

And there’s an excellent chance the unbeaten Am-erican (20-0, 8 KOs) will get his wish.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum had earlier announced that the winner of the Algieri-Ruslan Provodnikov title fight last Saturday would face Pacquiao in November.

Algieri survived two first-round knockdowns and nearly shut eyes to stun the favored Provodnikov by split decision.

While the 5-foot-11 Algieri is perceived to be an easy prey for Pacquiao, the fighter from Huntington, New York, offers an interesting match-up because of his 5-inch edge in reach and his background as a former wrestler and kickboxing champion.

The 30-year-old Algieri earned the nod of two of the three judges and erased Provodnikov from Arum’s short list.

Also being considered for Pacquiao’s next fight are old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, World Boxing Association-World Boxing Council light welterweight titlist Danny Garcia, Canelo Alvarez and WBC middleweight king Miguel Cotto.