Buboy Fernandez’s golden advice paid a handsome reward as Manny Pacquiao hammered an impressive knockout of Argentine Lucas Matthysse in their World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title clash yesterday at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.

After taking over Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, Fernandez survived his first major test with flying colors as Pacquiao delivered a dazzling display of boxing prowess that gave him his first knockout win since stopping Miguel Cotto in 2009.

Pacquiao dropped Matthysse in the third and fifth rounds before unloading a powerful left uppercut that sent the Argentinian slugger to submission in the final 2:43 mark of the seventh round.

The win was so emphatic that even President Duterte and Special Assistant to the President Bong Go were seen on their feet to cheer on the fighting lawmaker from Mindanao.

Pacquiao said his team, led by Fernandez, made a tremendous job preparing him for what is regarded as the most crucial fight of his celebrated boxing career.

“We did a good job in training. We were not pushing hard. We controlled our pace and ourselves,” said 39-year old Pacquiao shortly after nailing his 60th professional victory.

But carving out a masterful victory against a younger, more notorious knockout artist like Matthysse wasn’t an overnight process.

Prior the match, Fernandez carefully plotted a battleplan that aimed to correct all the mistakes Pacquiao committed in his title-defense against Jeff Horn last year.

Pacquiao, a well-known brawler, was battered, bruised and crushed by the Australian from start to finish, allowing Horn to run away with a technical knockout victory and the shiny World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.

Fernandez said against Matthysse, Pacquiao had to take it slow.

“I’ve told Manny not to block Matthysse’s punches, but go under it,” said Fernandez. “Our strategy was to be patient. We did not rush. He was not careless.”

Prior to his match against Pacquiao, Matthysse won 36 of his 39 matches by way of knockout.

But in his knockout loss to a one-time Pacquiao sparring partner Viktor Postol, Matthysse – dubbed “The Machine” for his mechanical precision and boxing approach – struggled for form as a tornado of jabs and extra motions came his way.

“Postol frustrated Matthysse with his jabs,” he said. “Manny is quicker.”

Fernandez overcame his first major test as all his pointers were on point.

Pacquiao emerged victorious and The Machine conked out.

It will not come as a surprise if Fernandez, who succeeded legendary trainer Freddie Roach as top cornerman of Pacquiao, keeps his position – for good.