Algieri Reclaims Title At MSG Fight

Chris Algieri, left, throws a body punch during his victory over Danny Gonzalez at MSG. Photos/Star Boxing

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

Huntington’s Chris Algieri continued his successful return to the ring Saturday night when he defeated Danny Gonzalez under the lights at Madison Square Garden for the WBO International Super Lightweight title.

Algieri won the 10-round bout in a unanimous decision by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.

Algieri controlled the opening rounds using his agility and footwork to attack the body of Gonzalez from the outside. His high punch rate caused problems for Gonzalez early in the fight.

Gonzalez settled in and dominated the action in the second half of the fight, especially after an accidental head butt late in the seventh round opened a cut under Algieri’s left eye.

Chris Algieri celebrates his victory by unanimous decision against Danny Gonzalez under the lights at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 19.

Gonzalez's late offensive effort left Algieri disappointed, despite the victory.

"I am my biggest critic, my performance wasn't my best,” Algieri said after the fight. “But we got the win, we got the belt and I'm moving on."

The win puts Algieri on the short list for a fight against current WBO light welterweight title-holder Maurice Hooker.

Algieri said he could “turn it up when I need it” if given the chance to fight Hooker for the belt.

He said, “I have always been the guy that can pull off the unexpected."