HOLLYWOOD–Added weight, added power.
Having felt the impact of Manny Pacquiao’s controlled punches the last three days, Buboy Fernandez swears the Filipino ring icon is ready to snatch David Diaz’s lightweight crown.
“He’s 100-percent fit,” declared Fernandez after Pacquiao’s workout on Friday at the Wild Card Gym here.
Fernandez should know.
He supervised Pacquiao’s training on Tuesday and Wednesday while chief trainer Freddie Roach banned himself from the gym due to colds. Though around 200 pounds, Fernandez said he had to catch Pacquiao’s punches perfectly or risk breaking his hands.
Fernandez said he has trained with other boxers and breezed through it. With Pacquiao, however, the task becomes complicated.
“Pacquiao is entirely different,” said Fernandez, who alternated with Roach in working the mitts with Pacquiao on Friday.
Pacquiao’s punches came in rapid succession that left Fernandez gasping for breath.
