Manny Pacquiao Next Fight Predictions: ‘Pacman’ Very Focused In Training For Chris Algieri Bout
Manny Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz said that the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion is focused in his upcoming fight against Chris Algieri on Nov. 22 at Venetian Resort in Macau, China.
Koncz said in an interview with The Manila Times that Pacquiao, who holds 56-5-2 record with 38 knockouts, is not taking Algieri lightly as proven by the Filipino boxing icon's effort in his training camp.
Koncz admitted that they did not expect Pacquiao to be as focused as he is right now, considering his other commitments, such as his entry in the professional basketball league in the Philippines.
"We'd never expected that he's going to train seriously like this in boxing," Koncz said. "We thought basketball is the other priority but he focuses more on boxing here in General Santos. Manny knows what he's doing so far and I'm very happy to see it."
And if Pacquiao continues to show the same commitment in his preparation for his title defense, Koncz is convinced that the former pound-for-pound king will score a knockout win against Algieri, who will put his perfect 20-0 record on the line.
"If he sustains that kind of training and keeps his mindset in the fight, I strongly predicted Manny could knockout Algieri," Koncz said. "Manny has improved a lot overall and that's a good news."
The longtime adviser said that Pacquiao's speed and footwork has improved significantly. Koncz added that conditioning coach Justine Fortune, who is handling Pacquiao's training camp along with assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez while waiting for Freddie Roach's arrival, was also impressed with the 35-year-old's physical condition.
"Justine is very happy to see Manny in a good fighting condition," Koncz said. "He gets quicker and smarter each day. There's no problem in his health. Knockout win for Manny is a huge possibility if he keeps training that way."
Pacquiao will be a heavy favorite to win against Algieri in their 144-pound bout, but a knockout win will boost his stock significantly because the eight-division champion has not scored a stoppage victory since winning against Miguel Cotto in November 2009.
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