Matthysse braces for super storm

KUALA LUMPUR — A super storm is brewing over the Malaysian capital.

And the howling winds and torrential rains are going to emanate from Manny Pacquiao, whose furious fists will make a direct hit on Argentine champion Lucas Matthysse beginning Sunday noontime.

The ‘weather forecast’ was issued by Pacquiao’s lead trainer Buboy Fernandez, who believes the title will change hands when the Filipino legend guns for Matthysse’s World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown at the Axiata Arena.

“Watch out for the storm of the Pacific,” said Fernandez, drawing comparison to a recent super typhoon that narrowly missed hitting the Philippines.

“Kung lumihis man yung bagyo na papasok sana Pilipinas, itong bagyong darating ay siguradong papasok (If the recent storm missed the Philippines, the coming storm is certain to make a direct hit),” said Fernandez.

Fernandez assumed the role of chief cornerman after it was decided that Freddie Roach’s services were not being renewed.

Since taking over his new post, Fernandez has imparted tips that he had long wanted to share but declined doing so during Roach’s presence.

Fernandez is upbeat that the decision to elevate him to Roach’s old post won’t go down the drain.

Even Justin Fortune, the Australian conditioning coach who supervised the training in General Santos City, readily agrees provided that Pacquiao executes the gameplan to the letter.

“If you’ve been doing the same thing, you get bored,” said Fortune, noting that the monotony of doing the all-too familiar routines during training camp doesn’t do a fighter any good.

“What’s great about this camp was that everyone made a contribution and we listened to each and every one of them,” said Fortune, who nonetheless reiterated that when the bell rings, “there will only be one voice.”

That voice will be that of Fernandez, Pacquiao’s childhood friend and long-time Roach assistant.

Team Matthysse better brace for the worst.