MANILA, Philippines - Prior to his career-defining win over former longtime WBA featherweight champion Chris John last year, Simpiwe Vetyeka was a virtual unknown.
Vetyeka, who now holds the title after forcing John to quit on his stool at the end of the sixth round of their December 2013 duel, vowed to continue his journey to superstardom with a win over Nonito Donaire Jr.
In a report by South African news website BDlive.co.za, Vetyeka (26-2, with 16 knockouts) said he’s in perfect shape barely two weeks before his showdown with Donaire on May 31 in Macau.
The South African promised to pounce on the opportunity to shine against Donaire.
“My victory against John opened doors for me. Now I must just stamp my authority,†he told the website’s reporter Bongani Magasela.
Donaire, for his part, is gunning for a fifth world title in as many divisions, having won championships at flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight. He’s eyeing Vetyeka’s WBA featherweight diadem, which the South African is working hard to defend.
“Look, I have been hard in the gym with (strength trainer)Mike (McLoughlin) for six weeks now. His training is very tough. I have no choice but to push myself because I know what it does to an athlete,†Vetyeka explained.
“We train hard every morning for 90 minutes. Already I feel on top of my game,†added the reigning champion, who reportedly has sparred over 200 rounds in the six weeks he’d been in training camp.
Donaire and Vetyeka will face off at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort in Macau.