Donaire not ruling out fighting in heavier divisions

Nonito Donaire shadow-boxes at the training gym inside the Venetian Resort in Macau late Wednesday. AJ BOLANDO

MACAU – The featherweight division (126 pounds) is possibly not the final stop for Nonito Donaire Jr.

Already a four-division champion with titles at flyweight, super flyweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight, Donaire bared he could continue moving up in weight with the way his body is still growing.

He is now eyeing a fifth championship in as many divisions, this time against WBA featherweight boss Simpiwe Vetyeka on Saturday at the Cotai Arena of the Venetian Resort here.

RELATED: Donaire-Vetyeka grand arrival ceremony photos

Speaking to a few Filipino scribes who had the chance to witness his workout late Wednesday, Donaire stressed he  is good to go against Vetyeka, contrary to claims that he’s still struggling to make weight.

“I feel good. Lumalaki pa din (I’m still growing). If I didn’t do proper training and dieting, mahihirapan ako sa timbang na ito,” the Filipino-American told scribes after shadow-boxing for a few minutes.

The official weigh-in ceremony is set Thursday afternoon at the Bellini Lounge of the Venetian, and all eyes would be on Donaire once he tips the scales.

ALSO READ: Vetyeka: 'Fighting Donaire is my biggest motivation'

Donaire insisted there are no concerns regarding his weight, even as he plans to jog in the morning before weighing in, just to make sure things go smoothly.

“I was really focused, so the weight came on,” he added.

Donaire is trekking the path blazed by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who had won an unprecedented eight world titles in as many divisions.

But first, he must take care of business against Vetyeka.

***

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.

Show comments