‘Manny is better with his present religious devotion’

BUBOY Fernandez, the childhood friend and trainer of boxing pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquaio, earlier said the boxer is in a better spiritual shape with his devotion in reading and studying the Holy Bible.

“It has changed him significantly and has cooled his temper,” said Fernandez when he came to Bacolod City for a drag racing competition, his favorite hobby.

The trainer took the chance to visit Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia who is also part of the Team Pacquaio, having been the flag bearer during several of Pacquiao’s fights.

Fernandez admitted that although he could not also believe that Pacquiao lost to Timothy Bradley, he accepted the defeat of the boxing king because there is no such thing as a perfect match.

“There will always be crazy decisions such as the recent match,” he said.

When asked if Pacquiao turned into a Born Again Christian, Fernandez did not categorically state that Pacquiao changed his religion but he said the boxer is better than he was before.

“One could not see him with a bottle of beer. Nor does he go out at night. Manny is now a changed man, now devoted to his present position as congressman and family man,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez’s friendship with Pacquiao dates back to their childhood days, when they were neighbors and their houses separated by a piece of wood.

He helps Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's American main coach and trainer.

Fernandez also said that there is a possibility of a rematch with Bradley but there is no confirmation yet if the rematch will be held on November 6. He said negotiations are also ongoing. (Carla N. Canet)