Buboy accepts ‘captain’ role

KUALA LUMPUR—Buboy Fernandez knows he is nowhere near the stature of legendary trainer Freddie Roach.

But tasked to temporarily take over by bosom buddy Manny Pacquiao, Fernandez grudgingly accepted his new role as the eight-division world champion’s lead trainer when he challenges Argentine champion Lucas Matthysse for the World Boxing Association welterweight crown on July 15 here.

“While the captain is out, somebody has to steer the ship,” said Fernandez in Filipino. “I am nothing compared to coach (Roach), but I have to assume responsibility.”

To prepare himself for the Herculean task, in case Roach does get the boot, Fernandez said he had been watching tapes of Matthysse’s past fights, particularly those where the knockout artist (36 of 39 victims) met stiff opposition.

According to Fernandez, who has been at Pacquiao’s corner since 2002 in the United States, he’s become familiar with Roach’s training style and routines throughout the years and won’t deviate from the familiar setup.

What he wants to make sure is for Pacquiao to be in the best possible form for the pay-per-view bout to be aired worldwide by ESPN.

That’s why, Fernandez, a councilor of Polangui, Albay, has charted a long training program, centered on building up stamina and power, for Pacquiao, who promised to follow all his recommendations.