Algieri Continues Comeback vs LesPierre

He’s a class act, but LesPierre has been around the block and could prove a tough test for the 37-year-old.

Online betting markets expect an Algieri win, so we look at his chances of success.

Four Fights in Six Years

There is little doubting the heyday for Algieri was in 2014-2015, when he fought the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan. However, his career is in a resurgence despite fighting only four times since 2015.

Algieri fought and lost to Errol Spence Jr. in 2016 by TKO, which threatened to derail his career. It was his third loss in four fights, but there is no shame in losing to Pacquiao, Khan and Spence.

Weights from @hulutheatermsg:

⚖️ @ChrisAlgieri 142.8 lbs
⚖️ Mikkel LesPierre 144 lbs#AlgieriLesPierre goes down tomorrow night on @trillerfight @FiteTV
📸 Ed Diller pic.twitter.com/gRrZWjmqpu

— Star Boxing (@StarBoxing) August 2, 2021

His three subsequent fights have come against easier opponents, but he scored a win over Coyle in 2019 and that should give the experienced fighter confidence against LesPierre.

“I’m super excited to get back in the ring,” Algieri told BoxingScene. “I’ve been in the gym for a year now. So much training, but at this stage of my career that’s a good thing. I had some time off with the pandemic, but I’ve been really focused on my boxing and I feel like there are a lot of great opportunities that are unveiling themselves now. The time couldn’t be better.”

The welterweight is happy fighting in this division and hopes to get another title shot and become world champion.

“That’s where I am most accustomed to fighting and I am still undefeated there,” Algieri said. “I never get too far off weight anyway. Ultimately, I want another title shot. I want to be a world champion. “That’s always been my goal. I’d love to get that title back. That’s always in front of my mind.”

We don’t think Algieri is of world champion quality at the age of 37, but boxing betting markets expect him to beat LesPierre, who hasn’t fought anyone of note.

Mikkel LesPierre Faces Toughest Test

LesPierre, a 36-year-old southpaw, hasn’t been tested much throughout his career, and despite Algieri being past his prime, this is his toughest test.

He lost by unanimous decision to Jose Pedraza in Las Vegas last year and it was his second defeat in his last three bouts. It’s not good form coming into a fight against someone of the class of Algieri.

The Pedraza fight wasn’t easy, given Pedraza is a former champion, but LesPierre was past his best. He was too slow and that could be an issue again against Algieri.

The American, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, is 22-2-1 but the majority of his fights came against unheralded opponents. He fought 8-6-1 Wilton Montero, 7-8-3 Jerome Rodriguez and 0-9-0 Rafael Contreras.

Will @ChrisAlgieri continue his world title seeking mission, or will Mikkel Lespierre play spoiler? Tuesday night we find out 😈#AlgieriLespierre | Aug 3 | @trillerfight @FiteTV pic.twitter.com/IbQHExJtMt

— Star Boxing (@StarBoxing) July 31, 2021

It’s hardly inspiring form, but Algieri is giving his opponent respect.

“I’ve commentated on several of his recent fights,” said Algieri. “He’s very talented. He was a really good amateur, he’s a good pro, he’s fought for a world title against (former WBO 140-pound titlist) Maurice Hooker. He recently fought another former (two-weight) world champion Jose Pedraza.

“His nickname is ‘Slikk Mikk’ and there’s a reason for that: He’s a slick southpaw, he has long arms, he has a good sharp jab, he’s a good counter-puncher, he’s very tough, which is something he didn’t have to show early in his career but has shown in his past couple of fights, especially with Hooker. He’s in there to do rounds and he’s tough and looking for ways to win. He’s got some good pop, he’s got slick upper-body movement, but he doesn’t move his feet a whole lot.”

Boxing odds have LesPierre as the significant outsider and he should struggle to land the telling blow on Algieri’s chin.