Pacquiao won’t initiate, says Buboy Fernandez

KUALA LUMPUR — Head trainer Buboy Fernandez has advised Manny Pacquiao not to initiate action against WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse and instead, wait for the Argentinian to make the first move then counterpunch in their 12-round title out at the Axiata Arena here this morning.

Fernandez, who lost a tooth from what seemed like a glancing blow during a mitt session with Pacquiao the other day, said even if Matthysse is known to be a slow starter, it’s dangerous to rush him. “Of course, if there’s an opportunity to end it early, why not?” he said. “But I don’t want Manny to rush. I’m sure Matthysse will try to fight like (Juan Manuel) Marquez. He’ll wait for Manny to come in then counter. Manny won’t do what Matthysse wants him to do.”

Fernandez said Matthysse will stick close to Pacquiao because that’s his chance to connect. “I’ve told Manny not to block Matthysse’s punch but go under it,” he said. “Manny won’t stand still, he’ll go 1-2 then step out. On defense, Manny will go under Matthysse’s punch so he’s not standing to get hit with an upper. Manny will be patient.”

Fernandez said he has studied several of Matthysse’s fights, primarily against Viktor Postol who knocked him out and Devon Alexander who beat him on points. “Postol frustrated Matthysse with his jab while Alexander outboxed him,” he said. “Manny’s quicker than Alexander and he’ll easily outbox Matthysse. Postol has sparred with Manny so we know what he’s capable of. Against Matthysse, Manny can’t get careless.”

As for the outcome, Fernandez said someone is going down and it’s not Pacquiao. “Stamina is no problem for Manny,” he said. “When he takes off his shirt, you’ll see how well he’s trained for this fight. Justin (Fortune) did a good job getting him ready. What I like about this fight is there will only be one voice in the corner. Manny and I have known each other a long time. Sometimes, we just do eye contact and we know what we’re both thinking.”