Errol Spence (19-0, 16 KOs) is ready to put on a show when he takes on Chris Algieri (21-2, 8 KOs) at Barclays Center, but the pre-fight psychological warfare isn’t over yet. In fact, it has only just begun.
“Even if I don’t get the stoppage, I want a one-sided fight. I want to punish him,” Spence said, smiling. “If he wants to box, I’ll box. If he wants to bang, I’ll bang. But I’m going to be the one to dictate the pace of the fight.”
At the media workout for the card at Gleason’s Gym, Algieri criticized Spence when interviewed, noting that he feels Spence isn’t as well conditioned. Spence’s workout contradicted this statement as he performed a fifteen-minute pad workout followed by a ten-minute bag workout without rest.
Talking about his own conditioning and old school training methods, Spence said, “Working out like this, it’s a cakewalk once you get to the ring. To have that one-minute rest, you’re in heaven.”
Algieri had much to say about Spence’s inexperience, citing the young Texan’s previous inexperience with the media as something of an emotional and psychological obstacle.
Spence countered during his own question and answer session. “Do I look overwhelmed? During the Olympics we had whole media days for three days straight. This is nothing to me.”
Spence, 26, appeared calm in preparing one last time for his bout against Algieri, noting that he understands the magnitude of the step-up in his level of competition.
“When the bright lights come on, everything is going to be exposed,” said Spence, “And the only prediction I have is to win. I can’t say if I’m going to get the knockout but I’m going to win.”
