Former world champion Chris Algieri is ready to pull off another 2021 upset, as the year comes to a close.
This Saturday night in Liverpool, the 37-year-old Algieri will collide with rising welterweight contender Conor Benn, who promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom is grooming to be a future star.
Algieri believes his experience and level of skill will dictate the outcome of the fight.
The veteran boxer has been in the ring with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan, Errol Spence and several other notable names.
Benn will be looking to pull of a victory over his most experienced foe – after getting wins this year over Adrian Granados and Samuel Vargas.
Despite his boxing nature, Algieri expects a contest built with drama and fireworks.
“Training camp has gone great, I feel great and got in here early, we’ve all adjusted very well to the time zone. We’re happy to be here, I know a lot of European fighters are enamored in fighting in the States, but a lot of us are enamored about fighting here because of the fan base here in Europe and in the UK – the UK fans are some of the best in the world. The opportunity to be here and fight in front of those crowds is a big feather in the cap for me in my career,” Algieri said.
“I’m excited for fight night, it’s going to be electric, I think we have the opportunity to put on a fantastic fight. You [Eddie] mentioned Lopez vs. Kambosos as potential fight of the year, I think this fight will potentially be a rival to that in terms of a style match-up and what I bring to the table. I think this is going to be a fantastic fight and everybody should tune in.
“I’ve been around this game a long time and I’ve been in with the elite of the elite, I’ve been on both sides of the table. At the end of the day, skills pay the bills and experience kills, so we’re coming in here with our experience, our skills, and we’re going to utilize that plan to find a victory.
“I’m in fantastic shape, fight week is a lot longer when you don’t have to worry about the weight. I’m just raring to go, I just can’t wait for fight night, I still feel like it’s far away. The weight has been a bit of a blessing.”