Buboy passes biggest test as head trainer

Philippine senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao trains at a press preview in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, July 11, 2018. Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Lucas Matthysse on July 15, 2018, for the World Boxing Association welterweight title in Malaysia. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)

KUALA Lumpur—In his first fight as head trainer for his best friend, Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez only had this to say to Manny Pacquiao: “Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity.”

“Kami ay magkaibigan di lamang sa ibabaw ng ring (We are friends not only on top of the ring),” said Fernandez, who was thrust into the limelight when Pacquiao had him taking over Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach for the fight against Lucas Matthysse on Sunday.

Fernandez met Pacquiao when they were both aspiring boxers more than 20 years ago in the dark and dusty L&M Gym in Quiapo, Manila.

“Manny, maraming salamat sa tiwalang binigay mo (thank you for the trust you gave me),” said Fernandez.

Basking in glory once again, Pacquiao was all praises for Fernandez and even lauded the strategy he devised.

“I’m not saying that Freddie is not a good trainer, he’s a great trainer. Legend. I was thinking of getting him back,” said Pacquiao. “But Buboy really handled it well, from the training camp up to fight. I really appreciate it.”

Their plan was to be patient and to not get too excited.

“Our strategy was to be patient and to take our time and don’t rush,” said Pacquiao. “We don’t want to be careless like we did before.”

He was referring to the fateful 2012 world title fight against Juan Manuel Marquez that ended in a stunning KO defeat for Pacquiao.