Algieri promises to be Pacquiao’s “smartest” opponent

MANILA, Philippines – With less than a month before their November 23 (Nov. 22 US time) bout in Macau, China, Chris Algieri detailed his training regiment, which, according to the American boxer, prepares him well to become Manny Pacquiao’s smartest, if not toughest ring nemesis ever. In an interview published on The Ring, Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs) said he is taking a calculated and scientific approach to all his preparations leading up to the fight, including training, diets and exercise habits. Algieri said he sleeps eight to nine hours a day on the average between naps and eats about five to seven times, with a daily calorie intake of 3500 during training days. To recover, he said, he would eat lots of fruits and colorful vegetables. The 30-year old boxer further said he avoids processed foods and eats lots of complex grains, personally doing about 90% of the cooking of all his foods. He trains six days a week, training twice on most days. Algieri added he would do strength and conditioning training two times a week, four times on cardio and five times a week for boxing. “With my cardio, I do more sprint work then distance work, but I alternate between the two,” the former kickboxing fighter said. “I also get weekly massages for recovery, once a week and take an ice bath after every sparring session, which is not fun, but is necessary.” In an early interview, also posted on The Ring, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) admitted his next opponent poses a lot of puzzles for them to solve. Compared to his previous bouts, only Antonio Margarito surpasses the 5’10” Algieri in his scope of opponents, especially in terms of height and reach. The Filipino boxing champion described Algieri as the most scientific, fluid and fittest boxer he would ever face on the ring. “All of those factors, plus he is five years younger than me, make him the most dangerous opponent of my career,” Pacman added. When told about Pacquiao’s impression of him, Algieri agreed without batting an eyelash, saying, “Manny said that I will be the most conditioned and smartest fighter that he will ever face. He is right.” Watch below a separate interview with Algieri by HBO Sports Jim Lampley on his upcoming match with Pacquiao in November.