Buboy Fernandez is one of the more recognizable characters of boxing who trains a stable of fighters including pound-for-pound king and childhood friend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (51-3-2).
PHOTOS: Young Manny Pacquiao
When he is not sabotaging his own efforts of losing weight during Pacquiao’s weight loss challenge, as shown on HBO’s 24 / 7, he is either training fighters or enjoying his hobby of motorcross. Interview >
[ Translated ]
Marv Dumon: How did you know Manny and Bobby Pacquiao during your childhood? Were you neighbors?
Buboy Fernandez: Both of our houses were really close – they were next door to each other. The window on our house was also their window.
That’s why, back in the day, we grew up together.
Marv Dumon: What did all of you do for fun prior to boxing?
Buboy Fernandez: Back in the early years, Manny was already that much into boxing, often in street fights in side alleys were kids would just take off their shirts and fight.
We just did not expect that he would reach this level – that his tendencies to fight as a kid would lead to all of this.
. . . continued below
Marv Dumon: His fights as a kid, did he go against kids his size or bigger opponents?
Buboy Fernandez: He fought kids his own size.
Often in situations where other kids would sell bread and donuts and entered his (Manny’s) territory. That caused trouble.
In those situations, you don’t want to lose your sales to them. And if you are also selling (bread and donuts) and you don’t buy from them, then that also causes trouble.
So you had a street fight (between Manny and the other vendors).
Marv Dumon: Was anyone ever able to beat young Manny in these fights – ever able to give bruises on his face?
Buboy Fernandez: Manny is really different from everyone else. He never allows himself to lose.
Copyright ? 2010, Marv Dumon
