Buboy Fernandez, the head trainer of Manny Pacquiao, is confident that the Filipino boxing legend has reached peak condition ahead of his super WBA welterweight title bout against Cuban boxer Yodenis Ugas at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday, Aug. 21 there.
"Wala tayong problema sa timbang. Sa kondisyon natin wala nang problema," said Fernandez in an interview with reporters during the final press conference at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Wednesday, Aug. 18. "'Yong hinahanap natin na peak nandoon na talaga. Sobra 'yong ginawa natin ngayon kesa Thurman fight kasi umaabot tayo 32 rounds ."
READ: Pacquiao out to defy Father time anew vs Ugas
Just like Pacquiao, Fernandez believes that the sudden replacement of the opponent won't have much effect on the fighting senator's overall preparation.
After all, the only eight-division world boxing champion has been respectful and never underestimated any of his former foes.
READ: Ugas to give 'best effort' vs Pacquiao
And Ugas is no exception to that.
Fernandez, also a longtime pal of Pacquiao, said they knew Ugas' camp is ready to compete given the one-week notice condition since the Cuban Olympian was also part of the undercard bout.
READ: 'Poetic justice' for Pacquiao if he beats Ugas, says Gibbons
"Pero hindi natin basta-basta i-underestimate ito, kasi pinag-aaralan namin kung bakint one week notice tinanggap nila so that means preparado sila sa laban na 'to."
That said, Fernandez, also vice mayor of Polangui, Albay, is positive that there will be an action-packed brawl in 12 rounds and knockdowns after knockdowns.
READ: Without substitute Ugas, match could have been scrapped, says Pacquiao
It would be recalled Pacquiao knocked down Keith Thurman late in the first round in their July 2019 bout. He captured the super WBA welterweight title at that time and became the oldest champion in the division at age 40.
"Magandang laban 'to. May tumbahan to sigurado ako. As a head coach, gagawin ko lahat para maiuwi inatin korona sa Pilipinas," said Fernandez.
READ: Ugas on fighting Pacquiao: This means the world to me
Pacquiao, who owns a 62-7-2 record on top of 39 knockouts, has not fought since scoring a split decision win against Thurman while Ugas last saw action in September by defeating Abel Ramos to improve at 26-4 record.
READ: Pacquiao says stance switch ‘only danger’ in facing Ugas