Manny Pacquiao is preparing for undefeated junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri, set for November 22 in Macau, the 64th bout of a career that includes titles in eight divisions.
Algieri, from Huntington, New York, is hardly the stereotypical pugilist. He holds a master's degree in clinical nutrition, and aspires to attend medical school. He's also a terrific boxer with a 20-0 record and eight knockouts.
That is not in the realm of Pacquiao's 56 wins, 38 by knockouts, and standing as one of the great fighters of his era. But it's strong enough to impress Pacman.
''He is undefeated and a world champion,'' Pacquiao said, adding with a sly smile, ''I love to fight undefeated guys. I want them to experience that first [defeat].''
Algieri won his belt in June by beating powerful Ruslan Provodnikov. That was almost a home bout, held in Brooklyn, about one hour's drive from Algieri's Long Island hometown.
This one is in Macau, and he can't wait to show his stuff there, especially against Pacquiao.
''I grew up looking up to other fighters,'' the 30-year-old Algieri said, mentioning specifically Oscar De La Hoya - who was stopped by Pacquiao in eight rounds in 2008.
''Manny is a classy champion, a gentleman and a warrior. I kind of walk in those shoes. Professionals who show class as has Manny are a testament to the sport.''
A victory would catapult Algieri to the elite level of the sport. A win for Pacquiao would further distance him from losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Marquez in 2012.
Pacquiao won a decision over Brandon Rios in Macau in 2013, then avenged the loss to Bradley with a unanimous decision last April.
What keeps Pacquiao going in the ring? Considering all of his other ventures, from politics to entrepreneurship to dabbling in basketball - the Philippines' most popular sport, he said - why note walk away with his health?
''I continue because boxing is my passion,'' he said.
''You can see it in my face every time I fight. You see I am smiling when I walk into the ring. It's that excitement.''
