by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Four division world champion and 2012 “Fighter of the Year” Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire has decided to train in Manila for his attempt to win a fifth world title when he battles WBA/IBO featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka in Macau on May 31.
Nonito’s father and trainer Nonito “Dodong” Donaire Sr. told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that he had spoken to his son who informed him he would leave for the Philippines on March 22 so he could be in time for the Annual Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Awards at the grand ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel on Roxas Boulevard.
The 31 year old Donaire who has a record of 32-2 with 21 knockouts has started his training for the showdown with the 33 year old Vetyeka who has a record of 26-2 with 16 knockouts by running in Las Vegas and is expected to pick up his training regimen once he arrives in Manila.
Donaire Sr said they plan to train at the Elorde Gym along Sucat Road in Paranaque.
“The Filipino Flash” earlier told us that if the fight is held in Macau he woukd probably train in the Philippines.
At the same time he said he started “light training” even as he indicated he would have “a lot of sparring” in his preparation for the fight.
Donaire descrived Vetyeka as “ a really good fighter. I think he’s the toughest of all the guys in that division. He’s slick he’s got power, pretty good.”
Boxing writer Tim Starks reports that the Donaire-Vetyeka clash “is a solid match-up. Donaire, as usual, has all the physical advantages but Vetyeka is a rough and tumble authentic 126 pounder and its ot clear whether Donaire is authentic at that weight.”
Donaire is coming off a spectacular 9th round TKO in a rematch with the hard-hitting southpaw Vic Darchinyan who was ahead on the scorecards of all three judges before Donaire nailed him with his patented left hook to force a referee Laurence Cole to call a halt 2:06 of the round as Darchinyan was in no position to continue.
Vetyeka who is himself a strong puncher won the world title with a stunning victory over longtime Indonesian world champion Chris John who retired at the end of the 6th round in a fight card in Metro City, Western Australia after Vetyeka battered him throughout the fight.
