Buboy Fernandez swears his childhood pal Manny Pacquiao still packs a lot of punch.

While admitting it is foolish to deny that the eight-division champion is pushing 45 this December, Pacquiao continues to hit like a mule.

"The power is there," Fernandez told Daily Tribune as he was getting ready to train the boxing legend for the fifth straight day in General Santos City.

There are reports circulating that Pacquiao is booked for an appearance in Japan on New Year's Eve against an opponent yet to be named.

The absence of a formal announcement from Japan and even from Pacquiao's camp make that event unofficial as of the moment.

But Fernandez' presence in General Santos City is a telltale sign that something could indeed be brewing.

Pacquiao hasn't fought professional since losing the World Boxing Association welterweight crown to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba in August 2021 in Las Vegas.

The only time he climbed the ring happened last December when he slugged with Korean mix-martial arts expert DK Yoo.

Fernandez insists the Yoo match was all for show.

The one being eyed to take place on 31 December in Tokyo is way bigger.

The name of Floyd Mayweather has been floated and Fernandez stressed that he won't be surprised if the brash American ends up facing Pacquiao by year's end.

However, Fernandez feels Pacquiao won't be treating it as a mere exhibition.

"Somebody's going to get hurt," added Fernandez.

The first time Pacquiao and Mayweather rumbled in May 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, their duel generated over $500 million in revenue.

Mayweather ran away with a paycheck of more than $200 million while Pacquiao pocketed around $150 million, according to the American media.

Last time Pacquiao fought professionally, he dropped a unanimous decision to Cuban Yordenis Ugas and lost his World Boxing Association welterweight crown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.