Pacquiao's Fitness Coach: Algieri Will Run After Big Hit

By Edward Chaykovsky

Justin Fortune, the strength and conditioning coach for WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, respects their next opponent, Chris Algieri. He felt Algieri was the proper winner of the June split decision over Ruslan Provodnikov to capture the WBO junior welterweight championship.

Fortune expects Algieri (20-0, 8KOs) to show his courage in the fight with Pacquiao - until the Filipino champion lands his first big punch. Once than happens, Fortune says Algieri will get on his bicycle and run.

Pacquiao is being trained by Fortune to have more than enough stamina in the tank to stalk Algieri down for the entire fight if necessary.

“When Algieri gets hit and feels Manny’s power, you know he’s going to run,” said Fortune to the Philippine Star. “Manny’s got to be in shape to chase him down. I guarantee Manny wins the fight but I won’t predict how he’ll get it done. Manny’s a machine and he’ll come to the fight ready to go 12 rounds if necessary. He’s been absolutely phenomenal in the gym, working harder than ever.”

Pacquiao-Algieri takes place on November 22nd at the Venetian in Macau, China.