Chris Algieri: Meet the Headliner

A Long Island Fights Exclusive Interview with Huntington’s Chris Algieri

“It’s always the hands.”

The hands. That’s what you need to know when it comes to burgeoning boxing star Chris Algieri.

Chris was an undefeated, undisputed kickboxing champion of two different weight classes and of two different organizations -- because of the hands.

“Whenever I was in a jam, it was back to the hands,” he freely admits.

Chris retired from pro kickboxing in 2007 after capturing the coveted ISKA World Welterweight Championship and began a foray into boxing, even though as a CHSAA high school wrestling champion and kickboxing champion, he has all the ingredients for stardom in the world of the mixed martial arts.

“Why add more weapons [for MMA] when you can take away and master the one weapon?” And that one weapon – you guessed it – is the hands.

The move to boxing saw Chris follow not only his hands, but also to his heart.

“Boxing was my first love,” he says with a smile, recalling the days when he and his grandfather used to watch fighters like late, great Alexis Arguello, whom Chris still considers an idol.

After just a couple of years as a pro, Chris is 10-0 and has set a goal that comes as no surprise to anyone who knows what kind of psycho focus this guy has: a world championship.

On Thursday, March 17, Chris will headline Star Boxing’s “March Madness” card at the Plattsdeutsche Park in Franklin Square, where he will step into the ring with tough Philadelphian Julius Edmonds.

“He’s been in with a lot of high-quality young guys. He’s a tough kid. He’s going to come and he’s going to bring it,” Chris says of Edmonds (7-10).

“I always say that boxing is the fastest chess game in the world. I’ve got to go out there and play chess. I’ve got to think and move and use my jab – the jab sets up everything. Between the footwork and the jab, those will open everything for me.”

When I visited Chris and trainer Keith Trimble at Bellmore Kickboxing Academy five days before the fight, Chris looked fast and strong. Chris kickboxed at 147 and 152 lbs., but according to Trimble, Chris is stronger and more muscular than ever at 140.

“I feel good. I have good height for the weight class and feel like this is where I need to be right now.”

Chris not only knows where he needs to be right now for Edmonds, but where he needs to be right now for life beyond Everlast and Cleto Reyes.

Chris, who already has a Masters degree in Nutrition, is currently taking Organic Chemistry at Touro, the last course he needs before he can sit for the MCATs.

“I am a pre-med student who fights,” he laughs. “I fight because it’s my passion, but ultimately, it’s not a life-long career. I know there’s a finite time that I can do this, so I’m doing it now.”