Buboy Fernandez, the head trainer for WBA "regular" welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, says his boxer is being trained to win by knockout.
The Filipino star is defending his title against four division champion Adrien Broner on January 19th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, as part of a Showtime Pay-Per-View event.
"Of course, we'll be preparing Manny to win by KO, "Buboy told The Manila Times. "Now we have restored Manny's strength, speed and sharpness. I do want want him to do that. When the opportunity comes, he should take advantage of it. When opportunity comes any time in the fight, it should be taken. We have prepared Manny [for that]. When you see the opportunity to end the opponent, end him. Perhaps you lose the opportunity [to take the opponent out and then that opportunity] never comes back."
In July 2017, Pacquiao knocked out Lucas Matthysse in seven rounds. It was his first stoppage win since taking out Miguel Cotto in the twelfth round of their 2009 title clash.
"Manny knows that [he can get the knockout]. He can feel it within him, "Buboy said of his boyhood friend. "I am very pleased with the training camp Manny has had. His footwork, distance and angles are all coming together nicely. When he hits the mitts it sounds like an explosion. I have never felt such raw power.
"When we end this camp in LA and move to Las Vegas, Manny will be in razor-sharp shape, I tell you. Both physically and mentally. He knows that he will do with whatever situation comes."
A few days ago, Pacquiao expressed his desire to knock Broner out.
"I am not making a prediction (as usual), but my goal is to knock out Broner," Pacquiao said.
"I am looking for a knockout against Broner. I have to maximize the opportunity. I forgot how much fun winning a fight by knockout was until I stopped Lucas Matthysse last summer to win the WBA welterweight title."
