By Ronnie Nathanielsz
2012 “Fighter of the Year” Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s quest for a fifth division world title, against South Africa’s IBF featherweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka, is a done deal.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that the title showdown is pushing ahead on May 31 at the Cotai Arena of the plush Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Macau and “as a matter of fact we agreed on terms with everybody today (Tuesday) and we are getting the contract to Nonito tomorrow morning. But its all agreed to.”
Donaire is coming off a 9th round TKO in a rematch with Australia’s hard-hitting southpaw Vic Darchinyan who was leading on the scorecards of the judges before Donaire nailed him with his patented left hook to force a stoppage.
Donaire had earlier dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to WBA super bantamweight champion and former two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux at the Radio City Music Hall in New York even as Donaire dropped the undefeated Rigondeaux with a solid left hook but couldn't take him out.
Vetyeka. Himself a strong puncher won the world title with a stunning victory over longtime Indonesian world champion Chris John who retired in the 6th round in a fight card in Metro City, Western Australia after being battered by Vetyeka throughout the fight.
