Fernandez wants Pacman to train behind closed doors

MANILA, Philippines — Buboy Fernandez, now in charge of Manny Pacquiao’s training, said there’s just one thing he wished he could have control of.

“Yung pasok ng tao sa gym (The influx of people in the gym),” said Fernandez, especially since training moves to Manila from General Santos City this week.

Fernandez, who has taken over the lead from Freddie Roach, knows how difficult it is to limit the crowd when Pacquiao is in the gym.

He wants to draw the line.

There are times when an ordinary day at the gym looks like fans’ day, with people crowding Pacquiao when he’s outside the ring working on the heavy bag or the speed ball or skipping ropes.

“Ang hirap pag masyado madami tao sa gym (It’s difficult when there’s too many people inside),” said Fernandez.

Pacquiao spent the past two weeks training the Wild Card Gym in GenSan for his July 15 title showdown with Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur.

Senate resumes sessions today and until June 1, and Pacquiao will have to move camp, preferably at the Elorde Gym near Mall of Asia, which is close to the Senate offices.

Senate will be on a longer break from June 2 to July 22, and that should provide Pacquiao all the space he needs, back in GenSan.

Fernandez said it’s in Manila where Pacquiao’s friends, or the friends of his friends, will start pouring in.

“Sana maintindihan nila (I hope they understand). Sasabihin ko talaga kay brod (Pacquiao) na i-limit ang guests sa gym (I will really ask him),” said Fernandez.

Pacquiao’s friends vary from old ones to new ones, those from politics, sports, business and show business.

“Importante ang fight na ito (This fight is important),” said Fernandez.

“Ang pakiusap ko lang ay pabayaan natin si brod mag-train ng maayos. (My appeal is to let Pacquiao train properly). Then after training, pwede na sila pumasok (they can come in),” he added.