Eagle-like Manny just perfect, says trainer pal
HOLLYWOOD—This early, Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez is having visions of how the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley showdown is going to end.
It could be swift like Pacquiao’s two-round demolition of Ricky Hatton or masterful like Pacquiao’s eighth round stoppage of Oscar de la Hoya.
“If Bradley decides to fight, it could be over early, but I don’t expect him to do that,” said Fernandez. “Bradley is strong but he hasn’t absorbed a punch as strong as that of Manny.”
“He (Bradley) may be used to fighters who go inside, but not somebody who zigzags as he does it. My feeling is, it could be a replay of the Hatton or De La Hoya (fight).”
Tasked to oversee Pacquiao’s preparations Friday (Saturday in Manila) after trainer Freddie Roach went out-of-town to fulfill a television commitment, Fernandez readily gave Pacquiao the thumbs up sign.
“Perfect,” Fernandez said after doing the mitts with the eight-division world champion who stakes his WBO welterweight belt against the unbeaten Bradley on June 9.
“The way he moves, I can compare him to an eagle,” added Fernandez.
Fernandez believes the 28-year-old WBO light welterweight king will be open to an overhead right hook.
