By Nick Giongco
Manny Pacquiao took a break from training on Tuesday and it showed when he faced the sports media looking so tired and sleepy.
In the immediate aftermath of the double-header opening day of the MPBl Datu Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Pacquiao complained of being too sleepy.
After all, it was already midnight of Tuesday when Pacquiao gave updates on his training for his shot at the World Boxing Association welterweight crown of Lucas Matthysse of Argentina on July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“Grabe ang training namin,” said Pacquiao, who has been waking up quite early the past several weeks for his morning roadwork in General Santos City.
In the absence of Freddie Roach, the Filipino legend has appointed Buboy Fernandez as the top dog in his training team.
Fernandez’s promotion came with a price.
“Hirap na hirap sya,” Pacquiao told scribes, laughing, knowing how his longtime friend finds it extremely difficult to keep pace with him.
But Fernandez isn’t really complaining.
“Maganda ang teamup namin ngayon,” said Fernandez, who relishes his new role.
Fernandez believes Pacquiao, who will be fighting for the first time since being upset by Jeff Horn in Australia last year, is nearing peak form.
“On target ang ensayo natin. Tamang-tama,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez was right on the dot.
After attending the MPBL inaugurals, Pacquiao flew back to training camp eager to lace up on a pair of gloves again.
Fernandez has lined up a stern test.
“Ten rounds of sparring,” he said.
