Will Donaire vs Vazquez live up to hype?

MANILA, Philippines - What happened during the press conference is just an assurance that Saturday’s fight between Nonito Donaire Jr. and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. won’t be a bore. (Related story A-25)

Donaire and Vazquez had to be separated up in the stage after a lot of finger-pointing, jawing and trash-talking took place.

For a while, it looked like all they needed to hear was the sound of the bell, and they’d go at it – there and then.

Donaire and Vazquez, who will clash for the vacant WBO super-bantamweight crown at the Alamodone in San Antonio, have been cool to one another.

But all that changed other day when a word war erupted on Twitter.

Vasquez’ wife triggered it all when she tweeted, “@filipinoflash (Donaire) you’re scared! See you there!”

It was never the same again, and it almost came to a boil during the press conference after Vazquez came up the stage and pointed his finger at Donaire’s face.

Donaire didn’t back off, and they got close to one another. Officials from Top Rank had to step in between both fighters.

Reports said Vazquez Sr. came up and apologized to Donaire.

“I’ve said numerous times I respect @wv2 <https://twitter.com/#%21/wv2> (Vazquez Jr.) and his dad but he disrespected Phl (Philippines),” Donaire posted on Twitter.

Last October, Donaire fought an Omar Narvaez who refused to engage, and throughout the fight the crowd booed for the lack of action.

You can bet on it. That won’t be the case on Saturday.