LAS VEGAS – Buboy Fernandez took to heart what Mario Barrios’ camp vowed about declaring an all-out war against ring icon Manny Pacquiao on Saturday when two of the world’s top welterweights clash at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Fernandez said Pacquiao’s corner is willing to give Barrios’ side exactly what they want.
“Sabi nga nila giyera kung giyera, ibibigay natin ang pinakamagandang giyera para sa kanila,” said the longtime Filipino trainer of the eighth-time world division champion at the sideline of the final presser for the Pacquiao-Barrios World Boxing Council title fight held on Thursday (Manila time).
READ Barrios harboring ‘bad intentions’ vs 46-year old Pacquiao
And Fernandez expects the war to be over by three rounds especially if Barrios stays true to his word about going toe-to-toe with the southpaw challenger.
“First three rounds? E di knockout, uwi na tayo kaagad,” he said. “Wala ng salita-salita, wala ng tago-tago pa. Ganun lang naman, e.”
During the hour-long presser at the MGM Grand, Bob Santos, the outspoken trainer of the reigning champion, bragged about engaging Pacquiao in an action-packed bout right from the opening bell.
“We’re ready for an all-out war, toe-to-toe. We’re prepared for the best Manny Pacquiao. We’re not sleeping on him,” said the 2022 Trainer of the Year.
“We’re not going to allow that to happen on July 19 with all due respect to the icon.”
But Fernandez said that certainly won’t happen, boldly saying Pacquiao will be world champion again.
“Mananalo tayo sa bilis, sa lakas, sa talino ng labanan,” he stressed, adding even the age factor won’t get in the way of their fight plan.
Pacquiao is just five months away from turning 47.
“Huwag ninyong bilangin yung edad na 46, bilangin ninyo yung suntok kung ilan, lalagpas sa 46,” said Fernandez. "Sabi nga nila 46 na, pero numero lang yan.”
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