MACAU – Like his previous fights, Nonito Donaire Jr. would not guarantee a knockout victory this time against WBA featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka.
Instead, the Filipino-American would use caution and wait for Vetyeka to commit a crucial mistake in their bout on Saturday.
Donaire and Vetyeka came face-to-face once again during the final press conference at the Milan Ballroom of the posh Venetian Resort here, both calm but brimming with confidence that they’ll get the job done.
“There will be explosions on Saturday," Donaire, wearing an elegant burgundy three-piece suit, told international media at the well-attended presser.
Victory would come in any form though for Donaire, who didn’t promise a knockout victory. But if an opportunity arises, he said he’ll definitely shoot for it.
"Winning is important. But there's nothing better than a knockout. I don't predict all my fights but I always want to get a knockout,†he told Filipino scribes after a late-night workout on Wednesday.
Donaire’s father and trainer, Nonito Sr., echoed his son’s statement.
"Depende yun kay Nonito. Kung may pagkakataon, so why not? Kung may opening, then he'll go for it," the elder Donaire told philstar.com after the presser.
The official weigh-in ceremony is scheduled at around 3 p.m. on Friday at the Bellini Lounge here, and the 12-round title fight will be staged the next day at the Cotai Arena.
"He (Nonito Jr.) trained like a soldier for this fight. We're prepared to go the full route," Nonito Sr. added.
Vetyeka, for his part, was likewise upbeat on his first title defense.
"On fight night, I will defend my title successfully. That's why I'm here," the South African declared.
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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.