Tearful Buboy admits: I convinced Manny to fight despite injury

An emotional Buboy Fernandez admitted that he was the one who convinced Manny Pacquiao to push through with the fight against Floyd Mayweather despite his shoulder injury.

In an exclusive interview on "News to Go" on Wednesday, Pacquiao's assistant coach and childhood friend said Freddie Roach proposed the idea of delaying the fight to allow the eight-division champion to heal.

"Nung pagbitaw ni coach na sabi niya i-popostpone natin ang laban, one week, two weeks, na-shock ako," Fernandez said.

"Tumingala ako sa langit sabi ko Lord, wag naman," he added. "Di talaga ako pumayag, pumagitna talaga ako."



Fernandez said he thought about the fine that would be imposed and the reaction of Mayweather's camp, a sentiment that Roach understood and changed the trainer's mind.

He said, however, that it was not easy for him after witnessing Pacquiao fighting hurt and with one arm.

"Nung fourth round kasi, 'yung nakuha, biglang umatras e," Fernandez said.
"Nakita ko nung fourth round pag upo niya sabi ko, Manny, may nangyari? Masakit, sabi niya."

Pacquiao won the fourth round after landing a straight left to Mayweather's face, but could not follow it up apparently because of the pain in his shoulder.

"Pumikit ako sabi ko Lord, sana huwag naman," Fernandez said. "Bawat round nagdadasal ako. Sana kahit isang round lang mawala lang 'yung sakit niya."

The Filipino ring icon would then go on to lose the fight via unanimous decision, and could also be facing charges for failing to properly disclose his injury.

With Pacquiao is set to undergo surgery to fix his torn rotator cuff, Fernandez could only pray for his speedy recovery.

"Alam ko naman na malapit ka kay Lord e, hingin natin na sana biglang mawala 'yung naramdaman mo sa balikat mo." -- Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News