Errol Spence vs. Chris Algieri
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Undefeated Errol Spence Jr. will take on Chris Algieri in the headline fight on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions show from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. While Algieri still has a stellar record (21-2, 8 KO)—his only losses coming from Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan—Errol Spence Jr. is rumored to be boxing’s next great welterweight.
This is a big fight for Errol Spence Jr. Chris Algieri has been in the ring with some of boxing’s toughest opponents, coming out victorious in all but two fights. Though Algieri
seems to be a step-up in competition for Spence, Errol explained that he is ready to rise to the occasion. Spence has confidence in himself, stating “I’m going to handle him like
I’ve handled all of my past opponents.” Chris Algieri isn’t known for packing a powerful punch, so he is going to have to utilize his speed and footwork and fight from a safe range. Though this strategy may have worked against his last opponent Erick Bone, Spence is a different breed.
With his speed, power, and ring IQ, I believe Errol Spence Jr. is going to take this opportunity to make a momentous statement on national television. I will be shocked if this fight is determined by the judges.
Prediction: Spence
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Interesting matchup here. Chris Algieri is a great step-up in competition for the young prospect, Errol Spence.
Algieri did really well against lower-tiered competition, but when he arrived at the world’s stage, he failed to produce the same results. Since then, he’s added John David Jackson (trainer for Light Heavyweight Titlist, Sergey Kovalev) to his corner and we’ve seen him transition from pure boxer, to a more aggressive fighter, in spite of his lack of power.
The prospect, Spence, is talked about like he’s got the goods. And rightfully so, the kid has tons of talent and potential. Algieri definitely has the skill sets to push Spence and test his limits, but without the serious threat of being knocked out cold on T.V. This indicates showcase fight to me, even though I didn’t think Algieri’s stock had dropped that much.
Spence says he’s pushing for the KO, and with his last five fights all ending by stoppage; I believe him. I doubt it happens, as Algieri has survived fights on his feet against bigger punchers in the past.
I still think Spence wins the unanimous decision.
Prediction: Spence
Milo Taibi, Staff Writer
Errol Spence is my pick for Saturday night, though I think Chris Algieri will make this a closer fight than his +900 odds indicate. A 2012 Olympian, “The Truth” has torn through limited competition in his early professional career, compiling TKO finishes on each of his last four PBC appearances.
Algieri represents a step up in competition for Spence; the 32-year-old has competed against the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan, not to mention pulling off the 2014 Upset of the Year against Ruslan Provodnikov.
Spence, however, has too good of a pedigree to be derailed by Algieri, and should defeat the Huntington native in front of his home-crowd.
Prediction: Spence
Robert Contreras, Staff Writer
This fight will tell us a lot about Errol Spence. The skill set is there—albeit not the “next Mayweather” the PBC would have you believe—but it’s never been put to the test.
Chris Algieri is the perfect litmus test. Good looks an all, Chris is a fine technical boxer and lacks the power in his hands to scare away a promoter from matching their star prospect with him.
I wouldn’t be shocked if Algieri pulls this off, but this feels like Spence’s time. If Spence can do one better and stop Algieri—something Pacquiao and Provo couldn’t—I’d advise strapping on tight to the Spence bandwagon. It’d be worth it.
Prediction: Spence
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
Errol Spence may have some rough moments during the fight, due to Chris Algieri’s new, aggressive fighting style, under John David Jackson.
This is why Spence will have to utilize his jab, which has shown to be quick and effective in the past. His jab will be critical at keeping Algieri at bay, as well as allowing him to land his left hand.
Spence has shown he can be hit, which Algieri can exploit too on the inside. Though, Algieri does not possess game-changing power, which is why his only chance is to outwork Spence and keep hustling him on the inside.
Nevertheless, I feel the class of Spence will prevail. I believe his speed will allow him to tag Algieri with his jab and left hand throughout the fight. This, over time, will take its toll and neutralize the offense of Algieri.
As a consequence, I think Spence will win by decision, though Algieri will customarily give a spirited effort.
Prediction: Spence
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
As a staff writer, I’m not supposed to have favorite fighters. I’m sorry, but Chris Algieri is badass. Algieri warded off Ruslan Provodnikov for twelve rounds with one eye after getting knocked on his ass two minutes into the fight. Next, he went up in weight to take on Manny Pacquaio. Six months later, he fought tooth and nail with Amir Khan. The dude’s a fighter.
Now that I just praised Algieri for being a beast, let’s talk about why he’s going to lose. What I see as Algieri’s shortcoming in this fight is his defense. Before hooking up with
trainer John David Jackson, Algieri relied on his footwork to evade punches, gliding away from exchanges when need be. From there on, Algieri has planted his feet, bobbing and weaving to slip punches. I don’t think he has fully made a smooth transition to the new defense, however.
Against Khan and Bone, Algieri looked a bit helpless when the opponent started throwing back. Against Spence Jr., a sharp, thudding boxer puncher, Algieri’s undercooked head movement will do no favors.
However, you can’t count out Algieri for making the fight. He’ll be looking to score with that looping overhand right that clocked Khan over and over, and I expect a few to land, possibly stunning the young prospect. Still, Spence should be able to outwork the tough Algieri, all the way to a well-earned, but tough, decision. Spence by clear decision.
Prediction: Spence
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I really like how Errol Spence is being brought along. I have been big on him since around the time I saw him fight Emmanuel Lartey and each time he steps up–namely against Ronald Cruz and Chris van Heerden–Spence shows notable improvement, especially against van Heerden who he pummeled.
Because Chris Algieri is durable and has a few new tricks up his sleeve, this fight should be challenging and competitive early on. Just because we know Algieri can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’ (like that time Manny Pacquiao knocked him down 4952 times), I am leaning towards a decision victory for Spence.
If Spence is able to stop Algieri I think we have to consider him as one of the best 147-pound fighters in the world. Regardless of how, I think Spence wins this one.
Prediction: Spence
Photos by Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment/Premier Boxing Champions
