Fernandez: 'Horn can't be underestimated, but he's going to get hit early'

Many fans and scribes alike believe that Australian Jeff Horn doesn't belong in the same ring with Manny Pacquiao, but the Filipino champ's assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez says the upcoming fight shouldn't be taken for granted.

"It's going to be a good fight because his (Jeff Horn) style is a good match for our senator. Jeff Horn is a counter-punching fighter who doesn't run while ours (Pacquiao) is a counter-punching slugger. Horn has power, he can't be underestimated so we have to train hard," Fernandez told GMA News Online.

"We have the advantage based on experience, though we can't say for certain when it comes to power because like I said he has that too, looking at his record. What I think, however, he's going to get hit early in the fight. We're going home early this time around."

Pacquiao, 38, is tasked to defend his WBO World Welterweight title against Horn in hostile territory on July 2 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

Pacquiao, who was once known as an offensive juggernaut inside the ring, has not scored a stoppage victory since 2009 -- but Fernandez feels that the upcoming bout may very well end the knockout drought.

"We need a good fight because fans want to see what Pacquiao still has in-store," said Fernandez. "People want to see a knockout, for me the knockout will come. This time I promise you a different Manny Pacquiao." — BAP, GMA News