‘PHL boxing still needs Pacquiao’

BUBOY FERNANDEZ believes that the Philippines still needs ring icon Manny Pacquiao now more than ever because the country is without a current world boxing champion.

Fernandez, the former fighting senator’s bosom buddy and long-time coach and trainer, hopes Pacquiao comes out of retirement and go for a fitting farewell fight.

“Why not?” Fernandez said when asked if a Pacquiao comeback remains feasible. “Especially now that we don’t have a world champion and I believe there’s a lot left in Manny to be a world champion.”

Pacquiao retired after he lost via unanimous decision in his bid to capture Cuban Yordenis Ugas’s World Boxing Association welterweight title in August 21 last year in Las Vegas.

He returns atop the ring but in an exhibition boxing match with Youtube sensation and mixed martial arts fighter DK Yoo of Korea sometime in December in Seoul.

Pacquiao said he aims to raise funds for charity from his six-round match with Yoo.

Filipino boxers lose their titles one after the other in recent months— Mark Magsayo yielded his World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight belt, Nonito Donaire Jr. his WBC bantamweight crown, Jerwin Ancajas his International Boxing Federation super flyweight championship and Rene Cuarto his International Boxing Federation minimumweight title.

In 2019, six Filipino boxers held world titles.

Fernandez believes Pacquiao could still fight and win a title despite his age of 43.

“It’s different when it’s Manny Pacquiao who’s fighting,” Fernandez said. “We cannot say but it’s possible. We can’t really say for good because in the end, it’s up to him if he wants to ‘unretire’ for one more fight.”

Fernandez, however, warned the eight-division world champion about his fight with Yoo, who’s known for his Korean Warfare Combat System.

“This exhibition bout is no joke because they will fight without headgear, unlike other exhibition duels,” he said. “I need to support him and make sure that he is in good condition not only as his best friend but as his trainer.”

Pacquiao retired with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws with 39 knockouts.