Buboy Fernandez issues apology in Team Pacquiao photographer incident

Yesterday, Team Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz said that an alleged attack on a ringside photographer was a "misunderstanding," which didn't go over particularly well with most who have followed the story.

But today, Buboy Fernandez, Manny's assistant trainer and lifelong friend, has issued a real apology for his role in the incident, via PhilBoxing.com:

"I just want to reach out to the guy and say I am truly sorry but I do not know how to reach him. It finally dawn to me that you can help me by putting up an article stating that I wanted to apologize. Please tell him I am truly sorry.

"I think I reacted that way because I was confused and did not know how to react after seeing for the first time my best friend and benefactor flat out on the canvas and not moving at all.

"You know how much he means to me as I owe him my life and everything I have. I will do anything to protect him. I wanted to get close to him and help but rules prevented me from doing so. I felt helpless and I my pent up emotions just build up. Perhaps that’s why I behaved like I did."

The photographer, Al Bello, has said he doesn't want to involve police, and had asked only for an apology from the other parties. Fernandez's statement rings sincere, and he deserves credit for accepting responsibility and seeking to make things as right as he can, I'd say.