LAS VEGAS – Beware of the punch that you don’t see.
Buboy Fernandez will make sure he gets to whisper this to Manny Pacquiao’s ears before Saturday’s opening bell at the T-Mobile Arena.
Fernandez, the pot-bellied trainer and childhood friend of the Filipino icon, has spent hours dissecting Yordenis Ugas.
“Nung tiningnan ko sa Youtube nakita ko agad yung galaw niya. Pati yung may kalaban siyang kaliwete,” he said.
Even through his mobile phone, Fernandez stayed glued and logged in watching and analyzing Ugas’ moves.
“So, ang iingatan lang natin na suntok dito kay Ugas ay yung mga suntok sa buwan, mga galing labas, mga ligaw na suntok,” he said.
Ugas, Fernandez added, will definitely carry a lucky punch into the ring.
“Yun ang iingatan natin. Yung straight niya nakikita natin eh. May kabagalan ng kaunti pero may lakas din eh,” he added.
They’re not underestimating the 35-year-old boxer from Cuba, the breeding ground of Olympic champions in boxing.
“Ang iingatan talaga natin is yung mga hablig na suntok,” he said.
It’s always the one that hurts.