Buboy Fernandez stays in LA, apologizes to US photographer

MANILA, Philippines – Buboy Fernandez, Manny Pacquiao's longtime buddy, opted to intentionally not accompany the former home and stayed in Los Angeles to get a message across.

“I decided to stay to clear the air before I left LA even spending money to re-book my flight back to Manila," Fernandez told Ed Dela Vega of Philboxing.com today.

“I just want to reach out to the guy and say I am truly sorry but I do not know how to reach him. It finally dawned to me that you can help me by putting up an article stating that I wanted to apologize. Please tell him I am truly sorry," he added.

Fernandez stressed he didn't mean Bello harm.

“Please help me tell the gentleman involved in the incident that I am deeply sorry for what happened. I did not mean any harm. My reaction was just a result of the heat of the moment,” he said.

Fernandez's apology came right after Michael Koncz, Pacquiao's American adviser, also came out with a public apology to Bello, a veteran, award-winning New York-based photographer covering the Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight in Las Vegas last Sunday.

Fernandez also told Philboxing.com he wanted to personally tell Bello how sorry he is for what happened.

“I think I reacted that way because I was confused and did not know how to react after seeing for the first time my best friend and benefactor flat out on the canvas and not moving at all," said Fernandez.

“You know how much he means to me as I owe him my life and everything I have. I will do anything to protect him," he added.

Koncz was caught in a photo grabbing the shirt of Bello, who had tried to jump out of the ring to avoid the alleged attack after taking photos of Pacquiao, who fell face first following a devastating blow from Marquez.

In the same photo, Fernandez was seen trying to kick Bello.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao flew to hometown Sarangani and received a very warm welcome today.