Tim warned: Old Manny’s back

MANILA, Philippines - Timothy Bradley should prepare for the same old Manny Pacquiao that pounded Oscar dela Hoya to submission more than five years ago.

The warning came from Buboy Fernandez, the lifelong buddy and trainer of Pacquiao, who’s gearing for a rematch with Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao is wrapping up his training in General Santos City under Freddie Roach and Fernandez. On Saturday, they are scheduled to fly to Los Angeles for the final push.

Fernandez is so impressed with the way Pacquiao is training for the fight.

“Ang bilis at parang hindi napapagod. Ganyan siya lagi sa araw-araw naming training session (He’s fast and he doesn’t tire. He’s been like that every day in training),” Fernandez said.

Fernandez also told www.philboxing.com that Pacquiao is moving the way he did as they prepared for the “Dream Match” with Dela Hoya in December 2008.

It may be considered as Pacquiao’s greatest moment inside the ring. The heavy underdog, he went on to force Dela Hoya to quit on his stool after the eighth round.

The victory propelled Pacquiao to superstardom and he went on to beat great champions like Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley.

But the last few years Pacquiao has shown signs that he’s slowing down. If it’s by choice, he hasn’t knocked out anybody since Cotto in 2009.

Pacquiao lost to Bradley on points and to Juan Manuel Marquez by knockout in 2012. People were quick to judge that Pacquiao’s best days as a boxer are over.

But the 35-year-old Pacquiao, who juggles boxing with being a congressman and bible preacher, said he’s far from over.

“I can still fight,” he said.

Last November, he outclassed the younger Brandon Rios. While he had chances, Pacquiao failed to put Rios down, and to most people the question remained: Has Pacquiao lost his power?

Roach thinks otherwise, saying Pacquiao has just gotten too compassionate with his opponents.

Fernandez said the answer will be known next month when Pacquiao climbs the ring against Bradley, and hopes to avenge the bitter loss.

Fernandez also told www.philboxing.com the other day that Pacquiao is doing so well in sparring against the undefeated Lydell Rhodes.

On the side, Pacquiao continues to play basketball.

“Para ko siyang nakikita noong nagsi-simula pa lamang kami (It’s like when we were just starting),” said Fernandez.

It’s like the “Dream Match” all over again.