Algieri's brains and brawn combination is unlike other opponents Pacquiao has faced
Undefeated American believes his combination of guts, size and smarts could surprise the experts when he faces Filipino legend at Cotai
Only a few weeks ago, boxing fans were asking "Chris, who? But the American will be hoping come November 23, that Chris Algieri will be the name on everyone's lips.
Manny Pacquiao has only to review Algieri's last fight to be reminded he could face a serious threat to his incredible ring record. For a start, Algieri couldn't be more different than Pacman.
In that June bout against Russia's Ruslan Provodnikov, the American was knocked down twice and virtually blind in one eye for the last part of the 12-round contest after catching a vicious left hook. Yet Algieri somehow won the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) light welterweight title in a massive upset.
I am a unique puzzle for any fighter. I am a thinking fighter. I am out there playing chess
Algieri now has the chance to really put his name in lights when he challenges Pacquiao, 35, for the world champion's WBO welterweight title at the Venetian's CotaiArena.
The New Yorker (20-0-0, 8 KOs) is convinced he's capable of matching the Fighter of the Decade, but cynics think he shouldn't share the same stage as the Filipino superstar (56-5-2, 38 KOs).
Algieri is a fresh-faced, highly educated athlete - one of a "new generation" of boxers hoping to shock the world.