Philippines, 14 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Pacquiao, Hernandez Ready to Rumble


PhilBoxing.com




LAS VEGAS, NV—While main focus shifted on the failure of challenger Jose Luis Castillo to make weight and the verbal tussle that ensued between the Mexicans’ and Diego Corrales’ camp, the supporting bouts including Bobby Pacquiao and Carlos Hernandez also started to heat up.

With news of the Filipino’s superb condition leaking to media, die-hard followers of Manny, the “Pacman,” elder brother of Bobby, changed the odds from a previous 3-1 to 2-1, rallying behind the younger Pacquiao in a show of support.

“Nakapaghanda ako ng matagal para sa laban na ito at gagawin ko ang lahat para manalo para sa aking pamilya, bansa at fans,” said Pacquiao, who tipped the scales at 130, two pounds lighter than Hernandez, right of the button of the 132-pound ceiling. Pacquiao’s No. 1 fan, his wife Lorelie, planed in last week to give full support to her husband.

The Pacquiao-Hernandez bout will start at 6 p.m. at the Thomas and Mack Center here for 10 rounds underneath the Julio Cesar Chavez-Jeremy Stiers and Jorge Arce-Hussein Hussein rematch, all shown on pay-per-view and beamed all over the world.

As Castillo gave up making the 135 limit out of sheer frustration and camp infighting between his trainer and physician, among others, the much-awaited rematch of the year was reduced to a non-title fight which will be fought at a catch weight of 147 pounds.

Philippine ring idol Manny Pacquiao arrived Thursday night in Los Angeles and immediately traveled by land in this gambling capital to give pointers to his brother in the morning, psyching him up and showing some footwork and combination that could probably be key to victory.

In only his second time in Las Vegas and his first real big-time fight, Bobby Pacquiao remained focused on his goal of upsetting the former super-featherweight world champion who was born in America but of El Salvadorian parents.

The soft-spoken Hernandez, who is a devout Roman Catholic, expects Pacquiao to “come out very strong” and make a statement. He also knows the work ethic at the Wild Card gym of Freddie Roach, where he used to train.

“He looks strong and focused and I know he will try to be his own man in this fight,” said Hernandez, who lives in West Covina, in Southern California, in the middle of a Little Manila community.

“My younger brother is in the Philippines and he plans to become a monk,” said Hernandez. Next year, the 34-year-old “Famoso” even plans to visit the Philippines and probably indulge in the delicacy “balut.” Always at Hernandez’s side is his pregnant wife Veronica and two-year-old Christian.

“Bobby is totally a new boxer, totally different from the one that I saw a year ago. His dedication is tremendous and I think this will be key to victory,” said Roach. While Pacquiao’s record is nothing to crow about, (25-11-3, 11 KOs) as compared to Hernandez’s 41-5-1, 24 KOs, his renewed fire and dream of making it big may just be the inspiration and motivation he needs.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Winchell Campos.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Itauma suffers injury; Magnificent 7 rescheduled to March 28
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Top Super Lightweights Bryan Flores & Starling Castillo Battle in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • Harden surpasses Shaquille O'Neal's to become the ninth all-time leading scorer in NBA history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 14 Jan 2026
  • “It’s time, LFG” - Holly McMath Trilogy for WBC Title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • IBA President Kremlev encourages sporting organisations to protect women’s sport following Trump’s statement on Imane Khelif
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • REYES, STRICKLAND, BUSTAMANTE & SOUQUET SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AT WNT LEGENDS – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Pumicpic fights Korean in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • No. 1 rated WBA Super Flyweight contender John “Scrappy” Ramirez remains patient and Looks forward to a 2026 World title shot
    , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • Ironman 70.3 Davao on March 22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 13 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 12 JANUARY 2026: Dalton Smith Halts Subriel Matias in 5; Kabayel Stops Knyba in 3
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • Chess Players Association of Negros Occidental, Incorporated (CPANOI) – 2026 Opening Event
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 12 Jan 2026
  • STUNNING SMITH DESTROYS MATIAS TO BECOME WORLD CHAMPION
    , Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Former WBC champ Bazooka Limón hospitalized in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 11 Jan 2026
  • Zuffa Boxing set to unveil its maiden card on January 23 in Las Vegas
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ‘I’ve got an army and army’s move in numbers’ Owen Corrigan returns for Light Heavyweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • Pasalamat Festival Chess Tour 2026 to Push Through
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS & TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO PRESENT CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 - VERONA, NY
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ELIF TURHAN SIGNS NEW MULTI-FIGHT DEAL WITH MATCHROOM BOXING – FIRST IBF WORLD TITLE DEFENCE DATE SET FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • Driving Philippine Tennis Forward: Jean Henri Lhuillier Champions the 2026 Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
    , Sat, 10 Jan 2026
  • ‘I’m ready to make some noise’ Billy Quinncroft returns for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Dableo and Laylo's Team to Compete in Bulacan
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Sanman Boxing present Yeerken vs. Carcedo WBA Asia South Title Clash in General Santos City on Feb 9
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Hardstone adds 2 more title fights on January 26
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 09 Jan 2026
  • Panamerican Boxing Confederation Partners with Xempower for Digital and AI-Driven Transformation
    , Fri, 09 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.