Manny Pacquiao Labelled 'Arrogant' By Chris Algieri After He Plays Professional Basketball Days Before Boxing Bout

By Kenneth Brown | Oct 22, 2014 10:58 AM EDT

Manny Pacquiao is one of the most confident boxers to ever grace the ring, but has he crossed that line, becoming arrogant? His upcoming opponent, Chris Algieri, believes so. Manny recently played in a professional basketball game, leaving himself open to the severe possibility of injuring himself before his title fight, risking Chris's wages, dreams and time, which understandably angered the boxing contender. Is it arrogance, and should Manny show more discipline and respect while he trains for fights?

Manny played seven minutes as a player-coach for the Kia Sorento in the Philippine Basketball Association, and to top it all off, he didn't even play that well. The WBO welterweight champion has a fight against Algieri Nov. 22, so it's understandable the fighter is fuming at his lack of care or concern.

If Manny hurt himself, the fight would've been cancelled, and that means many would go without pay. His opponent insisted, "I don't know if it's arrogance or just silly and stupid. During the press tour, I actually got on a horse at one point. As soon as I got up there, I was like, 'This is a bad idea. This is a bad idea because I'm getting paid after the fight.' I don't know if it's the smart thing to do, but ... A lot of people ask me about his basketball and if that's what he chooses to do, that's fine. As long as he doesn't get hurt, I don't really care."

Should boxers be forced to think everything like this through, or can they live their lives as they want? It's understandable that in a sport revolving around health your opponent would want you well out of harm's way until he gets the chance to fight you, though.

Will Manny make the winter bout in full health?

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