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Pacquiao-Ugas to end via KO, says trainer Fernandez

Roy Luarca

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Pacquiao-Ugas to end via KO, says trainer Fernandez

FIGHT FORM. Manny Pacquio stands favored to reclaim his WBA super welterweight from Yordenis Ugas.

Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

Manny Pacquiao's trainer Buboy Fernandez says the Filipino boxing icon is a lot faster and stronger than Cuban Yordenis Ugas

There’s no doubt on Buboy Fernandez’s mind the title clash between Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas on Saturday, August 21 (Sunday, August 22, Philippine time) would end with somebody getting knocked down or knocked out altogether.

May tumbahan dito (There will be a knockdown here),” Fernandez, Pacquiao’s trainer, told Filipino sportswriters after the final press conference of the Pacquiao-Ugas clash for the World Boxing Association super welterweight crown on Wednesday at MGM Grand Garden Arena here.

According to Fernandez, he’s confident Pacquiao will emerge triumphant because of the hard work and dedication the eight-division world champion poured into their four-week training in the Philippines followed by another six-week camp in Los Angeles, California.

“He (Pacquiao) is in 110% condition,” said Fernandez in Filipino. “He trained even harder than during the (Keith) Thurman fight.”

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Pacquiao bested the then-unbeaten Thurman on July 20, 2019, largely because he scored a first-round knockdown and hurt the American with a body shot in the 10th round.

The last time Pacquiao notched a knockout was against Argentine power puncher Lucas Matthysse three years ago in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the seventh round.

That time, it was Fernandez who took command of Pacquiao’s preparations.

Fernandez said he isn’t underestimating Ugas’ capability but believes Pacquiao is a lot faster and stronger than the Cuban who hasn’t touched the canvas as a pro.

The fight plan, Fernandez bared, is for Pacquiao to challenge Ugas’ defenses from the opening bell.

Having studied tapes of Ugas’ previous fights, Fernandez is convinced there are little chances of the Cuban landing his vaunted counter rights on Pacquiao, who’s determined to regain the belt handed to Ugas without a fight early this year.

Fernandez knows Pacquiao is angry and will channel his energy in Ugas’ way. – Rappler.com

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