By Edward Chaykovsky

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach is standing firm on his recent comments, that Manny Pacquiao's sparring partners are better than the Filipino star's upcoming opponent, WBO 140-pound world champion Chris Algieri.

Pacquiao defends his WBO welterweight title against Algieri at a catch-weight of 144-pounds on November 22nd in Macau, China.

Mike Jones and Viktor Postol are Pacquiao's main sparring partners. Roach says the fighters who are preparing Pacquiao, especially Postol, are better than Algieri.

"Sometimes the truth hurts," Roach said.

"Postol’s got a great jab and he’s tall, taller than Algieri and he’s rated No. 1 – a legitimate No. 1.  He’s very smart.  I see Manny having a little trouble with him and it’s more of a thinking match out there – he’s the right guy at the right time.  He really makes Manny think which is what Algieri will do also and that’s what we’re getting ready for."

"Postol is a little taller (5’11”) than Algieri and he has a better left hand than Algieri but you know Mike Jones (6’0”) is pretty tall also.  I think we’ve got the best sparring partners we could possibly get for the fight."