Chris Algieri established his training camp at the Venetian Las Vegas before departing for Macau. Here are excerpts of a conference call held on Tuesday, where Algieri was joined by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, among others, to talk about himself and the upcoming fight.
– Is medical school still in your future?
Chris Algieri – Medical school is the next step in my career. There is no doubt about that. My mind is still hungry and I want to continue my education. But that is on hold right now. Now I am focusing full time on my boxing career. We are at the elite level right now and it takes 100% focus.
– If Chris Algieri wins, what do you think that does for the sport?
Chris Algieri – I would hope that it would attract a more mainstream audience and have a crossover appeal – we need to get more people watching boxing. I love this sport and anything we can do to help it is great. The more attention that is drawn to any of the fighters, especially in a positive way, is good for the sport. And if it’s elevating my career, what the hell, let’s do it.
– If Algieri beats Pacquiao, is he in line to fight Mayweather?
Bob Arum – How can I talk for Mayweather? As far as the Pacquiao fight is concerned with Mayweather, as much as a lot of people surrounding it would want it to happen, myself included and Manny included, Floyd is reluctant to fight Manny Pacquiao, period. If people don’t see that by now, they are never going to see it. In as far as if Chris Algieri wins the fight against Manny Pacquiao, then there is a provision in the contract for a rematch. If he beats Pacquiao then beats Manny in a rematch and Floyd wants to fight him, that’s not my business – that’s up to Joe DeGuardia and it’s up to the Mayweather camp.
– Do you ever sit back and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I got to this point in my career this quickly?’
Chris Algieri – It’s zero to one hundred and that is just the nature of the game. I told my mother a joke the other day and she said ‘Chris, it’s just the way you said it would happen.’ It’s nothing then boom! it is a full on sprint. It’s the nature of the business and I’m not surprised by it. I’ve been watching this sports for years and I have seen it with other fighters. I knew my time would come I just had to stay focused and disciplined and if you work hard good things happen. I am right where I am supposed to be.
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