By: Sean Crose
“The reality of weighing one’s abilities against those of an opponent is not an easy thing to do. There is a fine line between confidence and daydreaming; and opponents are usually very good at letting you know when that line is crossed. This rather unique statement comes on Chris Algieri’s Instagram page just days after it was announced that the former WBO Junior welterweight player will face and face Conor Benn on December 11 in Liverpool. whatever, Algieri’s almost cryptic statement seems to indicate that he would approach the battle with Benn with a laser like focusing on both himself and Benn’s strengths and weaknesses.
However, it will take more focus for Algieri 25-3 to be able to defeat the strongest Benn. Recording a 19-0 record, the British tennis player knocked out all but seven of his opponents. At 25, Benn also has a five-year advantage over 37-year-old Algieri. On top of that, Ben has fought twice this year, beating Samuel Vargas and Adrian Granados respectively. On the other hand, Algieri had only fought once in over two years. His last fight was a victory over Mikkel LesPierre in August.
On the other hand, Algieri has more experience than Benn, who hasn’t fought 20 times. During his 28th competitive career, Algieri has faced the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Errol Spence, Amir Khan and Ruslan Provodnikov. Although he has lost most of his major fights, there is little doubt that the tall, sleek New Yorker is at his best at levels close to the beginning of the game. In fact, unless he’s old enough for his skill set to fade, Algieri will be the biggest challenge Benn faces in the ring.
“To make a big impression in a city like Liverpool, you need to go up against a world-class operator,” Benn said respectfully. “Chris has done it all, a former world champion and exactly the opponent I need to learn from.” Like Benn, Algieri is excited about the upcoming match. “It’s been a big fight and I’m happy to be back on this kind of stage,” he said. “The UK has amazing fans and I look forward to performing in front of those legendary crowds.”
The match seemed at least an interesting one.
