Werk in Progress – Chris Algieri in Munich

By Tony Mayger / @ringtoneboxing
Photos by Frank Jagow & Ravi Pagnamenta

Former world light-welterweight champion Chris Algieri has been in Germany recently, leading workshops at boxing clubs in Nuremburg and Munich.

Boxwerk in Munich, owned and managed by Nick Trachte, was the venue for one very successful boxing seminar in which Algieri shared his world championship experience to demonstrate techniques, training tips and give coaching to club members. The seminar coincided with the Oktoberfest, the annual beer festival which also gave him an opportunity to experience German culture with a jug of beer and traditional folk songs.

“I love it! The people are great and the cities are beautiful. People have a great respect for the Art of Boxing here, which I am very proud and excited to experience.”

Algieri had a career-defining year in 2014 when he defeated Emmanuel Taylor to set up a world title clash with Ruslan Provodnikov, which he won by split decision. He then stepped up a weight class to face the great Manny Pacquiao, losing by decision in Macao, China.

The 32-year-old has only fought once this year when he was stopped by undefeated welterweight prospect, Errol Spence Jr., who handed him his first stoppage loss.

“I take nothing away from Spence. In that fight, I had an injured knee and was physically unable to get up after the last knock down. I have been down before and always have gotten up and I will always try to get up and be in a fight. But I was unable to get back up onto my leg that night so the stoppage was extremely warranted and properly timed.”

So what’s next for the talented fighter from Huntington, Long Island?

“I want to fight before the end of this year. I need to get back in the win column and get some momentum. Being in title contention is all about momentum and consistency. I need to get some momentum back on my side. I would like to be busier going into the 2017 year and get some wins to make another world title run.”

Having won a world title at 140lb, then moving straight up to 147, it’s not clear whether he will stay in the mix at welterweight or move back down.

“I think I am better suited for 140. I only moved up for the Pacquiao fight after winning my WBO title, for which I was immediately stripped. Then I stayed at 147 because I really wanted the Amir Khan fight.”

With the exception of China, where he fought Pacquiao, Algieri hasn’t yet fought outside of his native homeland, but he does believe that will change, despite the fact that most of the world level super lightweights are based in The States.

“I WILL box in Germany at some point! I think the boxing culture is thriving here and I would love to have an opportunity to fight in Europe.”