Vetyeka sees tough night vs Donaire

MANILA, Philippines – WBA and IBO featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka thinks defending his title against Nonito Donaire Jr. won’t be an easy task.

Nevertheless, the South African is confident he can get the job done this Saturday when he takes on Donaire at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort in Macau.

Speaking to Anson Wainwright of ringtv.com, Vetyeka expects to have a tough outing against Donaire, a former champion at flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight.

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“It is going to be a tough fight. With Donaire, the former Ring (magazine) and multi-division world champion, it is always going to be tough,” he said.

“But I am ready to defend my titles and be recognized as the best in the world,” added Vetyeka.

The South African is coming off the biggest win of his career against longtime champion Chris John, who was forced to quit on his stool after the sixth round of their title fight in December last year.

Against Donaire, Vetyeka now eyes to sustain the momentum of that big win and continue his journey to boxing superstardom.

He could hardly wait for fight night.

“I cannot wait for May 31 to come and showcase my talent and abilities against one of the best fighters in the world. It is going to be an interesting fight,” Vetyeka continued.

Donaire, for his part, earlier guaranteed victory against Vetyeka and vowed to win a fifth world title in as many divisions. Vetyeka disagrees, stressing that he has studied Donaire well and he’s ready to deal with the Filipino-American’s strengths.

“I feel that I can overcome his strengths and capitalize on his weaknesses. I am not going to divulge these as they are my secret weapon going into the fight. But I can only say Donaire is known for his speed, power and explosiveness, these can be neutralized by any means,” he explained.

“He is known to have a big left hook and being a great counter puncher that too can be worked on,” Vetyeka further said.

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Editor's note: Philstar.com's special coverage of the Nonito Donaire-Simpiwe Vetyeka fight is made possible by Cebu Pacific Air, why every Juan flies.