‘Pacquiao should consider retiring if he loses again’
Buboy Fernandez, trainer of Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, thinks his best friend should consider retiring if he can’t perform well against the younger Mexican-American Brandon “Bam-Bam” Rios in their fight this coming Nov. 23 at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Macau in Macau, China.
Fernandez said he can’t stand to see his best friend get hurt or badly battered in a fight. For him, Manny already proved that he is the best boxer in the world.
“As long as we can see that he can still pull the trigger inside the ring and can fight, then we will let him continue,” said Fernandez. “But I don’t want to see my best friend, who is already my brother, to get hurt again. If that happens, then I will advise him to hang his gloves and retire.”
But Fernandez is confident that Pacquiao (54-5-2,38KOs) can win against Rios (31-1-1, 23KOs).
He said that Rios’ style of fighting is perfectly fit to Pacquiao’s speed and power. Pacquiao and Rios will battle for the vacant WBO International Welterweight title.
Fernandez, who was in Cebu for the past few days, said Pacquiao will begin his training for the November fight on Aug. 20 in General Santos City. He is expected to train alongside fast-rising Chinese prospect Zou Shi Ming under Freddie Roach’s supervision.
Rios also will start his training soon under Robert Garcia. Rios is coming from a loss to American Mike Alvarado for the WBO Light Welterweight title in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Fernandez, who was seen crying after Pacquiao got knocked out by Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez last Dec. 8, 2012 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada in the sixth round, said Pacquiao will be working more on his defense and aggressiveness inside the ring.
“We will train in General Santos City or in our newly built gym in Davao City. We may not train at the Wild Card Gym because Macau is nearer from here.”
Meanwhile, WBO President Francisco “”Paco” Valcarcel said they are making a specially designed belt just for Pacquiao and Rios’ fight, which they rarely do in a title bout.
