Pacquiao steps up training for Algieri

MANILA, Philippines - Over the past couple of weeks, Buboy Fernandez has taken the brunt of Manny Pacquiao’s punches while training for the Nov. 23 showdown with Chris Algieri.

In the absence of head trainer Freddie Roach, who is scheduled to arrive from the United States this week, Fernandez supervises the training in General Santos City.

He’s been on the receiving end of Pacquiao’s punches.

Yesterday, Fernandez said he had to see the doctor because of pain on both wrists, a result of the daily mitts sessions with the heavy-handed Filipino boxing superstar.

Fernandez, according to www.philboxing.com <http://www.philboxing.com> , thought he had fractured his hands.

“There was no fracture but the doctor advised me to take a rest for two weeks,” said Fernandez as reported by Aquiles Zonio, a veteran newsman based in General Santos City.

Fernandez said he can’t afford to drop the mitts until Roach arrives this week with the sparring partners.

“I can’t do that at this stage when we’re on the thick of training for the Algieri fight. No matter what would happen, the training should continue,” he said.

Pacquiao’s childhood friend and long-time trainer said they are preparing for the fight like it’s the biggest fight for the eight-division world champion.

Literally it could because Algieri, seven years younger than Pacquiao at 28, stands almost close to six feet.

“We are training him for more head movements, more punching combinations and a non-stop assault. We expect a bigger and taller Algieri to run around the ring,” Fernandez said.

“We should be ready for that. But, just in case, Algieri decides to mix it up then much better. The fight would end earlier,” he added.

Assisting Fernandez in GenSan are Justin Fortune, the conditioning coach, Roger Fernandez and Nonoy Neri.

Pacquiao can always use an extra hand in training.